G.I. Joe Killaz

• Artist: G.I. Joe Killaz
• Rating:
• Release Date: 2002 11
• Genre: Rap

Review

One of the more extraordinary rap albums you're liable to come across, G.I. Joe Killaz at first seems like a one-shot joke but actually reveals itself to be an album of much creative richness, conceptually as well as lyrically and sonically. The underlying concept here is to depict the villainous Cobra collective from the popular early-'80s children's cartoon show G.I. Joe as a rap trio, with the show's three principal figures -- Destro, the Baroness, and Cobra Commander -- the trio members and the show's principal theme -- a Cold War-inspired good-evil dichotomy -- the underlying lyrical theme. If you remember the show, and perhaps even the affiliated merchandising, you'll likely find G.I. Joe Killaz quite amusing, especially since the album samples the show at will; however, if you don't know G.I. Joe from He-Man or Thundercats, you may be a bit lost but not totally uninterested. The production here is quite novel, the work of Cobra Commander (better known as Tomas Jirku, one of Canada's more accomplished techno producers). The rapping is likewise novel, certainly dictated by the thematic boundaries at play yet still unexpected, particularly on songs like "Eau de Cobra," "The Seduction," and "Who Spilled the Juice," where the lyrics are downright ludicrous. Furthermore, the Baroness showcases some impressive singing on "Takin' Over the World" and "Woman Scorned," two tracks that are consequently album highlights. Sure, it's hard to get past the novelty of G.I. Joe Killaz. Once the initial surprise subsides, though, you're still left with the craft and ingenuity, which are certainly marvelous enough to warrant subsequent listens. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Intro		G.I. Joe Killaz
Cobra Forever		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:23)
Money to Burn		G.I. Joe Killaz	(3:31)
Packin' Hot Heat		G.I. Joe Killaz	(3:50)
Eau de Cobra		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:52)
Arashikage Ninjas		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:24)
Python Patrol		G.I. Joe Killaz	(3:12)
Bleedin' All Crazy		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:29)
The Seduction		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:14)
Takin' Over the World		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:37)
Snowflakes		G.I. Joe Killaz	(2:20)
We Possess Power		G.I. Joe Killaz	(3:50)
Down Under		G.I. Joe Killaz	(2:23)
Cobra Island		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:32)
Drunk With Power		G.I. Joe Killaz	(2:56)
Who Spilled the Juice		G.I. Joe Killaz	(3:38)
He's Crazy		G.I. Joe Killaz	(3:07)
Woman Scorned		G.I. Joe Killaz	(4:11)
G.I. Joes Suck		G.I. Joe Killaz	(2:37)
Cobra Wants You		G.I. Joe Killaz	(3:06)

Credits

G.I. Joe Killaz (Main Performer)