Noreaga has been through a lot. He’s obtained some success but he’s fallen short a lot, too. After gaining praise with CNN’s War Report, his partner in rhyme was doing time. With Capone in prison, Nore got back in the whip and took control of the wheel solo. He obtained even more buzz from songs such as Superthug, Banned from TV, Oh No, Grimey, Nothin’ and more recently Oye Mi Canto. Still, faced with and plagued by label drama, flops, and more of the same, he had to take some losses. After pitfalls and spills in recent years, he is dropping Noreality, where many expect Nore to bounce back triumphantly, now that he is going the independent route.

The album sets off with the Swizz Beatz-produced Set It Off, which definitely sets the tone. Other bangers follow such as That Club Sh** and Throw ‘Em Under the Bus, which features Jadakiss and Kurupt. These tracks stand out, much like most of his hits. The production is fresh and upbeat, while Nore’s flow is casual and fun. That makes for a great combination.

Nore even gets a little more thought provoking on Cocaine Cowboys and The Rap Game. This is hopeful. Sadly, that doesn’t last long. Before we can get to fully enjoy the LP, Nore begins to drop questionable rhymes.

“Got whatever you need, like street e-bay
Matter of fact, just call me Nor-bay
Don’t care what you say
John Legend look gay!”

“Most Valuable Pu**y Eater: MVP of the sport.”

“K-Federline the game…Get my money and bounce.”

“Queens stand up like your seat got a whoop-e-cushion.”

Lines such as those above simply illustrate how corny and nonsensical the rhymes can actually be. Whole songs take on these traits, as well. Drink Champ, Shoes, Pop a Pill, Eat P***y and other tracks sound like throw-away joints that somehow managed to get on the album. While we do expect some crazy, goofy lines from Nore, it’s almost like he didn’t even try on some of these songs.

There is still some freshness in Noreality, but most Nore fans will be disappointed. Here, he doesn’t come back with a statement. Instead, the album is unorganized and it lacks cohesiveness. Again, he succeeds in small ways but falls short in many more.