When a rapper opens up a verse with the line, ”It was all a dream,” (the first line of Biggie‘s Juicy), a powerful rags-to-riches story is typically expected to follow. West Coast native and self-proclaimed “Latin Lyrical Assassin,” Omar Cruz, proves to be no exception, as he details his journey from rock-bottom (hearing gunshots every night while trying to sleep) all the way To The Top (now signed to major label Geffen/Interscope). Popular Latin-Pop singer Frankie J accents the song’s strength and determination with his vocals and also assisting is producer Julian Bunneta, who provides a low-riding, smooth-cruise beat. To hear more of Omar’s journey, pick up a copy of his debut, Sign of the Cruz, expected to be released later this year.
This is one of those songs that is gonna be as Certified as Glasses Malone's current single (as of this writing). Unlike any other song I've heard in the past, I actually had to give "To The Top" a few listens before I could approve of his single. Usually, when a new artist works with an R&B singer such as Frankie J., fans are going to predict a ladies club banger, but Omar steers clear of the Latin Lover bug and actually delivers a trio of verses that are actually overcoming rather than succumbing. Mark my words: when Omar Cruz releases Sign Of The Cruz in the summer, it will be a definitive moment for all of Latin Hip Hop.
I personally get the impression that this record is the West Coast version of "Juicy" with the overly bright production an church-like chorus. This is really strong effort coming out of an upcoming artist. His flow and lyrical ability is right on point. Nice one.
I haven't listened too many songs by Omar Cruz, but I will check out some of his previous material. Frankie J is a good singer. This is chill music. Nice beat.
Songs like these are my weakspot. When it's from the heart, it's right. Always better then the normal "I Get Money" or "Low" tracks. Frankie J's chorus doesn't seem to work that well with Omar's deeper, crisper voice. Note to Z; Omar looks like he doesn't have arms in that pic.
This shit is tight. This song will be one of those that actually start the latino attention in hip-hop that has long been absent. But Omar Cruz does his thing along with Frankie J. Beat is straight West Coast. I'll admit when I first saw this song I "overlooked it" but then I saw it on the booth and checked it out and wow. WEST SIDE!
Beat is good and his flow too. I also like the chorus! Anyway, it's not my type of song coz before singing in the chorus he raps too much and I can't understand what he says...everytime the same problem lol
In rotation
Let me start by addressing my members.... Muzzi: Good looks fam, we are going to change that photo out. DJJ: I thought the same thing. Okay, to the song: This is a hit. However, I am not sure if you still have that with another rapper replacing Cruz and spitting the same type of story. Frankie kills this hook, where has my mans beeen???
Wow... where have frankie and his sexy ass been?... I think if they replace cruz... this would of been hot! Otherwise this is str8... and frankie... as always puts his sexiest voice forward.... lol! (3.5)
This song was actually better than what I expected ( a lot better). I'm latino myself, but I can't stand the music that a lot of latins or chicanos put out there. It wasn't your usual oldies beat and a few punch lines. That's why I liked it.