Just 16 months since his last album, Fat Joe returns with his 8th solo album, and another good one. I have 6 of his albums, and half I'd give 4 stars half I'd give 4.5 stars. Short like most of his albums with only 12 songs, you get 1 almost classic, 5 ar eok, and the other 6 are good. Guests aren't too heavy, rapping on just 2 of the songs and doing the hooks on about half. Production is decent, not as good as he usually has but still pretty good. LV & Sean C, and Street Runner each do 2 songs, Cool & Dre, Steve Morales & J Starz, Danja, Scott Storch, DJ Premier, Alchemist, Swizz Beats, and DJ Khaled each do 1 song. A nice album for his fans to have, not his est but still worth while.

#1 - 8.5
#2 - 8.5 (f/ Plies & dre -- nice beat)
#3 - 7 (f/ LiL Wayne)
#4 - 7 (f/ Jackie Rubio)
#5 - 9.5 (f/ Poo Bear -- tight beat)
#6 - 7 (party track)
#7 - 8.5 (f/ J Holiday)
#8 - 8
#9 - 7.5 (f/ Oepra Steve)
#10 - 8 (f/ Poo Bear)
#11 - 8 (f/ KRS-One)
#12 - 7.5

Joseph Cartagena -- b. 8/9/72 -- Bronx, NY
check all my reviews

Fat Joe you did it again. I have all your CD"S and love each one in it's own special way. He blends a commercial production of today with the same flow he had since Don Cartegena. Many people don't understand that artist change. He has to please his young fans as well as old. If he spit the pure OG rap he spit in the 90's he wouldn't sell any CD's. He has to appeal to everybody, and does a good job at that. KEEP HOLDIN IT DOWN!!!

To most Harcore Rap fans and off the back of his last couple abulms a new Fat Joe album was nothing to look forward to or be excited about. Infact thats the reason for the late review.

However in "The Elaphant in the Room" album Joey has given me something i have on constant repeat on my mp3, in my car and in my head!

I wont attampt to define or explain this album however i will say this, I HAVENT GIVEN A HARDCORE RAP ALBUM A 5 STAR RATING SINCE BIG.

This guy is so underrated. I loved it on the first listen, 4 stars. No instant classics or major hit singles here, though I personally like a few of the tracks quite a bit... lyrics are tight, some good production from some well known producers (Scott Storch, Swiss Beatz, Danja, DJ Kaled). Pretty up tempo tracks... one of those CDs you can throw in & listen to all the way through from start to finish over & over again.

Ok so I'm a huge 50 fan but I'm above all a fan of rap music first I give everything a chance. So with all 50 Joe beef aside this CD is GREAT! The production is fire the lyrics are dope and above all it's just damn good rap music. So if you a Joe fan you gonna love this if you a hater get ya mind right and don't juge artist by anything other than talent.If you a fan of East coast rap this is a hott buy!