From Vibe: After a three-year hiatus, Silkk the Shocker wants to make one thing clear: “Whoever counted me out before, you can’t count.” And with his fifth solo album, Based on a True Story, ain’t a damn thing changed.

Never a lyrical pioneer, Silkk maintains the gangsta rap status quo. He scolds anyone jealous enough to knock his hustle, as on songs “That’s Just Me,” “Hey You,” and “Why You Mad,” where he menaces, “Wanna mug and try to show me a screw face / I got a slug that’ll slow you down just like a Screw tape.” Silkk’s flow, flavored with his syllable-squeezing, rapid-fire delivery on “Got It on Lock,” manages to revitalize songs otherwise drained of content and structure.

Produced largely by Mike Diesel, the LP’s dark, synth heavy bounce grows redundant at times. There are exceptions: “Get That” is refreshed by Diesel’s switch to upbeat West Coast pace, and “Be There,” Silkk’s tribute to loyal ladies, levitates with airy guitar and ethereal vocals sampled by XL. Though it’s not groundbreaking, and is less than shocking, the album will nonetheless satisfy fans who’ve longed for the touch of Silkk.