A-1 Yola (Esham album)
| A1 Yola | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 19, 2005 | |||
| Length | 60:14 | |||
| Label | Psychopathic | |||
| Esham chronology | ||||
| ||||
A-1 Yola is the tenth studio album by Esham. Released in 2005, it was the first hip hop album to be released with a DVD containing music video for each song. A-1 Yola is the final of three albums by the rapper on Psychopathic Records, following Repentance and the compilation Acid Rain.
Lyrics and music[edit]
Allrovi wrote, "During the course of A-1 YOLA, Esham takes the form of street hustler, kingpin, vampire, and all sorts of underworld characters, injecting his undiluted personality into each three- to four-minute sketch. His sonic backdrop remains raw but fresh, drawing an impressive amount of energy out of sparse beats."[1] According to Esham, he was sent receipts from fans who claimed that the album's bass-heavy sound blew out subwoofers, fried amplifiers and shattered rear windshields.[2]
Music videos[edit]
The album came with a bonus DVD which contained music videos for almost all of the album's songs, excluding "Enemies", "Gangsta Dedication" and "?".[2] The video for "Justa Hustler" was reissued on the 2007 Psychopathic DVD Psychopathic: The Videos.[3]
Reception[edit]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allrovi |    [1] |
Allrovi wrote, "Fifteen years after a teenaged Esham made his recorded debut, [...] his sordid tales show no sign of losing potency".[1] The album peaked at #176 on the Billboard 200 and #48 on Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums.[1]
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Since Day One" | Esham | 3:07 |
| 2. | "Turbulence" | Esham | 3:38 |
| 3. | "Bolivia" | Esham | 2:59 |
| 4. | "Bird After Bird" | Esham | 3:40 |
| 5. | "Justa Hustler" (contains the hidden track "Pill Me") | Esham | 6:16 |
| 6. | "Yoca Cola"" | Esham | 3:33 |
| 7. | "Fall Into The Fire" | Esham | 3:15 |
| 8. | "Wicket" | Esham | 4:03 |
| 9. | "Enemies" | Esham | 3:11 |
| 10. | "Help Me" | Esham | 3:14 |
| 11. | "Servin'" (contains the hidden track "Full Power") | Esham | 3:57 |
| 12. | "Bangin' Dope" | Esham | 2:40 |
| 13. | "One Hundred" | Polar Bear | 3:43 |
| 14. | "Gangsta Dedication" | Marc Live | 3:16 |
| 15. | "Unhappy" (contains the hidden track "President") | Esham | 3:57 |
| 16. | "?" | Esham | 2:39 |
| 17. | "Smiley Faces" | Esham | 3:19 |
| Total length: | 60:32 | ||
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d "Esham - A-1 Yola". Allrovi. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ a b Smith, Esham A. "Discography". Reel Life Productions. Archived from the original on February 3, 2009. Retrieved 2008-08-18.
- ^ Psychopathic: The Videos (DVD). Psychopathic Records. ASIN B000WMA6WI. Retrieved 2009-01-13.