Brooklyn native Fabolous has returned with his fifth album Loso's Way. The concept album, mimicked after Jay-Z's American Gangster, is an ode to the 1993 movie Carlito's Way. However one track, "Pachanga" is the only reference to the movie.

This album is full of collaborations, twelve out of sixteen tracks to be exact. Featured artists include whoever is hot right now, Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo and Hova himself. Production is decent with the help of Jermaine Dupri, the Alchemist and Ryan Leslie who collaborates with Fabolous on "The Fabolous Life".

Unfortunately the album lacks depth and originality. Typically by the fifth album an artist will try something new; different beats, rhyming about life changes, etc. Fabolous disappoints as he rhymes about the same old stuff, hustling and his gun - which by the way is named "Nadia".

The album will probably do well because all the tracks with featured artists are radio friendly which will help the album stay relevant this year. If you are a true Fabolous fan you will enjoy the album because he does not deviate from his mainstream rapping style. The album is not garbage and compared to what is out there now its almost refreshing to hear that familiar voice that brought us songs like "Can't Let You Go" and "Young'n".

a.c.e.

SonicAmp Rating: 6/10