Ace Hood: Gutta
6/10
The first salvo from the rambunctious but lovable DJ Khaled's "We The Best" imprint; the 20 year-old Ace Hood, has much to prove in the beginning of his career. However "Gutta" is devoid of a real personality to fit with the character.
Starting off an album with a song called "I Don't Give A F*ck" is probably not the best impression you want to give on your first album, but Ace shows off his almost tourette's like ability to spout off his bars ("I dont give an FUC-K/one of those things I tote on me" got a couple of chuckles from me), and it's perhaps it's this ability that gives him an edge over most young MC's of his stature. He has a lyrical potentcy that makes him incomparable to those in his class right now.
However this doesn't save the album from being a well produced disappointment. Ace plays it almost too safe throughout the album, the super-thug/hustler/killer image shines through on tracks like "Get Em Up" (Didn't Lil' Wayne use the "million uppercuts line back in June?) and "Fed Bound", while he gives a track to the ladies on his hit single "Ride" with Trey Songz and the snoozer "Call Me" with an equally unmotivated Lloyd on the chorus.
"Gutta" is at least competently arranged with producers. The Runners, Shawty Redd and Cool & Dre contribute to the album, though newcomers The Inkredibles give the most to the album.
If you're looking for a album with an insight on who Ace Hood is, this is not it. It's one of the characteristics that make his peers like Young Jeezy and even featured guest and frequent DJ Khaled collaborator Rick Ross so well liked; they are able mix their money grabbing exploits a touch of character insight and real empathy. Ace Hood is a great artist with a lot of potential, but lets hope he only makes this rookie mistake once.
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