Z-Ro Let The Truth Be Told CD

Personnel: Z-Ro; Juvenile, Paul Wall , Ashanti, Trae, Lil' Flip, Devin the Dude, Lil' Boss.
True thug Z-Ro has an incredibly stuffed discography but his profile is surprisingly low. His style is hard -- think Nate Dogg with a Southern flavor -- but not underground or cerebral enough to keep him from blowing up big time, so what's the problem? If there's any justice, the solid Let the Truth Be Told will put the man over the top. Guest spots from Ashanti, Paul Wall, and Juvenile should help too, but if this all seems like a forced play for the mainstream, it's not. Seventeen songs and the album never sounds anything less than inspired, necessary even. Z-Ro's verbal sparring with Devin the Dude makes "The Mule" a standout, "Platinum" and "Everyday, Samethang" are sure to figure into your next mixtape, but the highlights keep coming and filler isn't even an issue. Producers Mike Dean and Mr. Lee offer bass-heavy, infectious grooves and the lack of throwaway skits and segues seals the deal. Bringing the G-funk to the South with a driven attitude and vivid lyrics, Z-Ro makes his mark with Let the Truth Be Told. ~ David Jeffries
Incredibly prolific Houston rapper Z-Ro opens his 2005 release, LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD, by paying homage to one of hip-hop's all-time classics, Eric B. & Rakim's "Paid in Full," musing over the familiar bassline (from Dennis Edwards's "Don't Look Any Further") before launching into a breathless freestyle bout. While it's fairly audacious to conjure up comparisons to a master MC like the illustrious Rakim, Z-Ro holds his own on "Mo City Don (Freestyle)" with a cleverly unfurling rhyme. He follows that light and playful rap with the utterly hard "The Mule," featuring Juvenile and Devin the Dude, which is full of bluster and violent braggadocio.
This sort of variety marks LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD, a wonderfully dynamic record that finds the under-the-radar rapper continuing to do what he does best, in both viciously dark and easy-going manners. On "Platinum," Z-Ro raps about the softer and harder sides of the business over a lush backing track, while on "I'm a Soldier" he reverts to edgy posturing with sufficient force. Although Z-Ro churns out records, he puts his heart into each one, and LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD stands as prime example of his skill.