Triple Beam – 36 Zips

Album info

In 2002, the Sacramento-based gangsta rap trio Triple Beam returned with their compelling new album “36 Zips.” Released under the A-1 Entertainment label, this 14-track CD builds on the group’s established reputation for raw storytelling and hard-hitting beats. The album captures the nuances of street life, from the hustle to the relationships, in a way that’s as complex as it is riveting.

The opening track “36 Zips” sets the tone for the album, engaging listeners with its gritty lyrics and pulsating rhythms. The track “In The Game” follows suit, diving deeper into the mechanics of the street game, providing insights into the lives and decisions of those enmeshed in it. With “A1 Since Day 1,” the group makes it clear that their loyalty and roots run deep.

Triple Beam takes a moment to delve into emotional landscapes with “The Way I Feel About You,” featuring Stan Blackshire. This track serves as a counterbalance, exploring the softer aspects of tough lives. It sheds light on the romantic dimensions that often get overshadowed by the more brutal elements of the street narrative.

“Old School Fashion” and “Misconception” offer a reflective pause in the album, giving listeners a chance to ponder the layers and complexities of the worlds that Triple Beam describes. “Across The Border” and “9-11-2001” are particularly poignant tracks. The former captures the risks and rewards of illicit cross-border activities, while the latter offers a heavy commentary on a day that shook America, touching even the lives of those in the underground.

“Addicted 2 The Game” and “Rush” explore the psychological aspects, capturing the adrenaline and addiction of living on the edge. In contrast, “Your Broke” featuring Big Will, and “F@** A Homie” take a more confrontational approach, looking at the fissures and tensions that can rupture even the strongest of bonds.

“Lift Your Hood,” featuring Marcell, serves as an apt finale, encouraging listeners to rep their origins and stay true to who they are. The album sees contributions from various music producers such as Lokei, Pook, Taurus, and Tron Treezy, adding a rich texture to the overall sound.

With “36 Zips,” Triple Beam crafts another album that is not just a collection of tracks but a multifaceted narrative, compelling in its realism and complexity. It remains a significant addition to the pantheon of West Coast gangsta rap.