With 2005's underappreciated Live From Iraq, 4th25 (pronounced "fourth quarter") gave the world some of the best rap music in history. Recording in his barracks in Baghdad, Big Neal and some fellow soldiers got everything imaginable off their chests -- the pain of leaving family, the horrors of war, insults from the anti-war movement, cheating wives back home, frustration with the military hierarchy's decisions, support for soldiers accused of wrongdoing. Even the production was outstanding. Not glossy, exactly (again, the recording sessions took place in a war zone), but inspired, with synthesized guitars and pianos, backing vocals, and not a sample to be found. It remains an absolute must-buy, despite a drop in quality in the last few tracks. The follow-up, Soldier Music, hit shelves (or at least Internet retailers) a...
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