Sonically Rocko's minor hit "Goin' Steady" would dissolve into any radio playlist of Drakey love raps but let the lyrics sink in and notice that it's, in fact, one of the more remorseless and gangsta anti-ballads of recent times. Plies, an unheralded master of the rap diatribe, takes it to further extremes, berating a chick who had the sheer audacity to claim him as her baby's father—"I'm just your dildo, that's all I can be!" And his presence is a good excuse to acknowledge Drumma Boy’s futuristic update of the Dr. Dre synth wheeze. Both Plies and the former Mr. Monica exist in this sort of purgatory where their strong record of Southern hitmaking is undeniable but their almost nonexistent critical presence completely fails to reflect that. This record isn't going to change their position on that front but it's still worth a spin if you hate/love or love Drumma.
Download: Rocko ft. Plies, "Goin' Steady (Remix)" (via DGB)
