RBL Posse

The broad scope of Bootlegs & Bay Shit assembles an excellent sample of RBL Posse's varied output from the 1990s, going as far back as their debut album, 1992's A Lesson to Be Learned. The fact that this double-disc assembles mostly obscure tracks from many random compilations makes it a perfect addition to the Bay Area group's small canon of albums; unfortunately, there aren't that many remarkable moments here. Most of these tracks were unreleased or left to compilations for a reason: They aren't the group's best work. Furthermore, anyone new to the group's music will find this album a perfect sampler but undoubtedly far from the best representation of the group's potential. The few tracks culled from the group's albums, such as the classic "G's By the 1,2,3's" from the group's debut album, provide perspective, illustrating why this group developed such a cult following; however, most of the songs here aren't nearly as good. This album will be best appreciated by existing fans familiar with the group's albums. Newcomers should start elsewhere; this album is just far too shoddy to provide a positive perspective on this underrated gangsta group. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide