Seagram (R.I.P.), representin' East Oakland, Cali, definitely delivers on his second album, 1994's Reality Check On Rap-A-Lot Records. He is a great lyricist and has a good, loud rapping voice and a good flow to go with that. This cat can spit. Beats are vintage bay area G-Funk, and are relaxing and melodic. Production goes to Seagram, with instrumentation by Troy White, Mike Dean, Mark Anthony, Eaton Fox, and Seag himself. A great summertime cruisin' G-Funk era anthem is "Eastside" with cool layers of keyboard melody. Another one is "Gangstas and Players" (f/ Too Short) both kickin some street oriented, pimp game. The beat is cool Oakland swingin' with a neat whiny synth in the hook. With styles so different, the 2 go well together here. "Gangsta Livin'" is a cool joint where Seag discusses life in the hood without glorifying it. He flows really hard here/ "The Town" (F/ Angie and Gangsta P) is a dark anthem of Oakland. The beat is vintage Rap-A-Lot almost southern style. "13 Deep" has a mega-relaxed, smooth, twangy guitar diff driven G-Funk beat. The lyrics showcase Gangsta P and seag trying to keep their head up living in a crime ridden neighborhood and growing up in the legal system (California Youth Authority). "Birth" definitely rings true. This joint is about loving the children you give birth to and being there for them. The beat is upbeat and melody driven funk. This song definitely touches the heart. It has an Isley Brothers "For The Love Of You" sample. Another deep song is "Where Do We Go From Here" where Seagram analyzes the plight of losing friends and family members and tries to move on. The beat is sunny R and B inflected with a great hook by Suzette. "No Matter The Cost" has a cool G-Funk atmosphere with a sweet and sunny beat perfect to roll to down the avenue to. I would say that this album is as sunny Cali G-Funk era as Warren G and Snoop Dogg with respect to the vibes the beats themselves give off even though the lyrics can be hard core. I love the emotional and lyrical depth Seagram puts into this classic. It is expensive and rare now, but I recommend saving up some extra ends now before it goes for 100 plus dollars. Fans of 2 Pac, Scarface, Big Syke and the like will definitely dig Seagram. Too bad, he had to fall victim to the game. RIP to a real rapper.