hiphoprnbsoul rating:

Say it ain’t so, Liks. Say it ain’t so…

Since their 21 & Over debut back in ‘93, hip hop’s self proclaimed drunkies have progressively elevated their status from turning out B.Y.O.B. backyard parties to bum rushing bottle serviced V.I.P. rooms. Four albums later, Cali’s most connected alcoholic family of E-Swift, Tash & J. McNRO are taking that twelfth step into anonymity with their farewell release – Firewater.

Independently released under Koch Records, Firewater is by far and away Tha Liks’ most solid effort to date. Regardless of the light hearted subject matter, there is an air of maturity breathed on every track. Contrary to contemporary radio party joints, Tha Liks demonstrate their uncanny ability to pimp the verbal vernacular as well as the ladies with buxom features.

“The Flute Song,” as produced by the underrated and often overlooked E-Swift, is testament to their years of cultivation as party emcees. Don’t get it twisted however. Tha Liks flex their musical ambidexterity, whether it be pumping positivity on the soulful “Poverty’s Paradise” or giving perspective to the youth on the inspirational “Do It.” It becomes clear that “Firewater” is not so much an end to Tha Liks, but a step in a new direction under different monikers.           

Surprisingly, there are little to no appearances from the extended Alkaholik family save for the O.G. veteran of the Likwit Crew, King T (“Over Here”), and newcomers Bishop Lamont and Styliztik Jones (“Hangover”). “Drink Wit Us” drops more names than a Kathy Griffin stand up routine, but considering this very well may be Tha Liks’ last album, the track reads like an acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award. Let it slide.

Firewater is bulletproof. There aren’t really any weak points on the album. My only skepticism is the test of time, but Tha Liks have been one of the most consistent hip hop entities for over a decade. - Franklin Grimes

Download: “The Flute Song (Lalala),” “Hangover” “Handle It”