"At just 15-years old, it's no surprise that the precocious Chi-Ali's first single was 'Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number.' The latest and definitely youngest member of the Native Tongues Posse, Chi-Ali is sure evidence of rap reaching America's younger generation. The problem is, Chi-Ali possesses an ego bigger than Hammer's bank balance. Hence he talks about having 'girls' of nine years his senior, passing up on 'immature' females of 13, getting into clubs because he looks 21, and of being an all round cool dude. Now I'm sure that 14-15 year olds hate to admit it but, let's face it, most are still kids. At this rate, Chi-Ali's going to be rapping about the perils of middle age, pension schemes and the financial burdens of mortgages before he's even legal to buy a beer!" Cont'd below...
"It's a shame, as Ali can rap and some of the music here slams. The stealthy jazz flavor of 'Roadrunner" sounds like an out take from 'The Low End Theory', and the stuttering 'Let The Horns Blow' could be a future classic thanks to the Native Tongues reunion of Dove (De La), Dres (Black Sheep), Phife (Tribe), Fashion (Beatnuts) and young Ali. Apart from that, this album is just a bit surreal. Chi-Ali can talk about all the club crazy fly like cuties he likes, but if his best chat up lines are 'How's your homework going?' and 'Are you going to be allowed to stay up and watch the Superbowl this weekend?' I suspect he's just fooling himself. Bizarre for the most part and, at its worst, plain ludicrous." - Hip-Hop Connection, March 1992. A copy of the review is below...
