CD Release - Pimp Squad's album finally clicks

After months of being pushed back, P$C's 25 to Life finally came out Sept. 20. No, seriously we have a copy, so we're pretty sure you can get it, too.

P$C, short for Pimp Squad Click, is made up of T.I. and his high school friends, Mac Boney, Big Kuntry (aka Big Kuntry King), A.K. and C-Rod.

You can't fault the self-proclaimed "King of the South" for putting his people on. Plenty of other major rap stars do it — 50 Cent has made a lot more than change following the same formula with G-Unit. And T.I. has already anticipated the skepticism. "Of course, a rapper brings out a group of his homeboys, it's always like, 'Yeah, all right, whatever,' until you hear the music."

But some of the tracks aren't all that. Despite the street anthem potential of the title cut "25 to Life" and "Fuck Where You From" featuring Young Jeezy, the lack of solid production limits the fire. The five members wisely don't show up on every song, but of them, T.I. is the most charismatic of the crew, and Big Kuntry's a surefire second. At times, the other three need to pep up their delivery.

P$C deserves credit for addressing the ladies. "Walk to Me," with Cee-Lo on the hook, is even more "quiet storm"-friendly than the LL Cool J classic "I Need Love," while "Touch Something" is the bouncy, club-friendly joint sure to hit. "Like a Movie," featuring R&B crooner Lloyd, is also strong. "Lookin' Shife," "Murder Game" and the summer hit "Like a King" are more hardcore pleasers.

While not solid throughout, 25 to Life shows that P$C, with a little tweaking, has potential.

Ronda Racha Penrice