Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics

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Lifers Group

  • Lifers Group [Hollywood, 1991] A-
  • Living Proof [Hollywood, 1993] ***

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Lifers Group [Hollywood, 1991]
Gangsta gangsta: "The Real Deal." Some of these Rahway State inmates rap like pros, some sing like they remember what a street corner is like. All of them want you to know that dealers are sellouts and prison is "The Belly of the Beast": a temple of slavery and rape and broken bones, of suicide and genocide and acquired immune deficiencies. Both theme songs are powered by beats that might as well be punching you in the stomach, and for nightmare relief there's Crazy Chris, photographed in all his mad-eyed, ham-armed, white-skinned glory. If you're dumb enough to get inside, he's going to fuck you up personally. A-

Living Proof [Hollywood, 1993]
"Fuck N.W.A, put down your watergun" ("One Life To Live," "Prison Is the Death of a Poor Man") ***