"The new Queens-based crew called the Hoodratz used to be called the Knuckleheads, but they had to change their name when it became clear that the Hit Squad-produced group with the same name held the copyright. This debut album is far from wack, but like many records these days, it lacks the punch and originality to stand out in the crowd. With an approach of pure hardcore tracks and lyrics, the Hoodratz style is a combination of the Onyx grimee flow and the funky noise of Lords of the Underground (both groups get shout-outs on the album). Group member Doh Doh, who does the majority of the production, has a skilled high-end, almost nasal flow, while his partner Dingbat has a lower, more gritty rhyme style. The combined result is nothing you haven't heard before, but it doesn't deserve to be shrugged off either." Peep the visuals to "Bootlegga," cont'd below...
"The first single, the anti-counterfeit anthem "Bootlegga," laid the grounds for the Hoodratz's pro-rap, take-no-shit agenda. With a catchy hook chanted over a bumping track, the Hoodratz takes a commendable stand in the rap industry's war against fake tapes - "if ya bootleg ya get ya leg broke n!gga!" Album highlights include the solid "Rollin Wit' Da Rat Pak," "Grimee" and the street-conscious "Murdered Ova Nuttin." On "Havin A Bad Day," they use an Onyx piece on the hook, but sound like Onyx on the rest of the track. And some cuts, like the sparse, boring "Ms. Crabtree," offer little excitement. With the right choice of singles and maybe a hyped remix, Hoodratz can make some noise. One bad move, though, and they'll likely be overlooked by the hip-hop masses." - The Source.
