Album Review: The Way It Is by Ovado$e – A Raw Slice of Early 2000s Hip Hop
Released back in 2001, The Way It Is by Ovado$e is one of those albums that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. Straight outta the U.S., under Zillionaire Records, Inc., this project dives deep into the gritty essence of hip hop and rap without overthinking it. Executive-produced by Mr. "Big Al" Alston, the album delivers a street-level vibe with tracks that are unapologetically raw and real.
Now, let’s get into the meat of it. At 21 tracks—yeah, you heard me right—it’s not exactly a quick listen, but there’s enough variety here to keep things interesting. Two songs stood out to me after giving this a spin: “My Niggaz” and “We Ain’t Chasin’.”
“My Niggaz” hits hard right from the jump. It’s got that classic early 2000s production style—crisp snares, heavy basslines, and lyrics that feel like they’re straight outta someone’s lived experience. This track isn’t about flashy metaphors or poetic wordplay; instead, it’s all heart. When Ovado$e talks about loyalty and the grind, you can tell he means every damn word. There’s something refreshing about an artist who doesn’t sugarcoat their reality. You don’t just hear the song—you feel it.
“We Ain’t Chasin’” (which pops up twice on the tracklist for some reason) also stuck with me. The beat has this hypnotic bounce to it, and the hook? Sticky as hell. Lyrically, it’s all about staying true to yourself while everyone else scrambles for clout or cash. Lines like these hit different when you’re knee-deep in your own hustle. Plus, I gotta give props to how smooth Ovado$e sounds over the instrumental—he rides the beat effortlessly, making it clear why fans still nod their heads to this joint decades later.
Other standout moments include “Make That Ass Clap” (self-explanatory, fun energy) and “Young and Restless,” which captures the restless ambition of youth in a way that feels authentic rather than cliché. Even skits like “Dope Skit” add flavor to the mix, keeping the flow engaging throughout.
But honestly, what makes The Way It Is memorable isn’t just the music itself—it’s the attitude. Ovado$e doesn’t pretend to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, he leans into the core elements of hip hop: storytelling, swagger, and beats that slap. And guess what? Sometimes that’s more than enough.
Here’s the kicker though—the album dropped in 2001, and yet it feels oddly timeless. Listening to it now, you realize how much modern trap owes to projects like this. Sure, the production might sound dated compared to today’s polished soundscapes, but the soul remains intact.
So if you’re looking for an album that keeps it real without trying too hard, The Way It Is deserves a spot in your rotation. Just don’t expect perfection—it’s messy, brash, and unfiltered. But hey, maybe that’s exactly what makes it so damn good.
Final thought? If Ovado$e ever decided to drop new music tomorrow, I’d press play without hesitation. Dude clearly knows his lane—and owns it.
