''How the West Was One'' is the debut album by the rap duo
Cali Agents. It was released in 2000 via Nu Gruv Alliance and Ground Control. It contained production from Paul Nice, His-Panik, M-Boogie, Madlib, R'Kasha, Protest, Memo, 427 and Roddy Rod. The album did not make it to any
''Billboard'' charts, but a single titled "Good Life" made it to No. 36 on the
Hot Rap Singles.
''
The Source'' listed the album as one of the top six independent records of 2000. The album has sold over 50,000 copies without any major distribution.
In May 2004, Rasco's Pockets Linted records re-released the album with bonus tracks.
Critical reception
''
The A.V. Club
''The A.V. Club'' is an American online newspaper and entertainment website featuring reviews, interviews, and other articles that examine films, music, television, books, games, and other elements of pop-culture media. ''The A.V. Club'' was cre ...
'' wrote: "''How The West Was One'' is an endless battle-rap session that serves as little more than a thorough assertion of the duo's lyrical dominance. Thankfully, Rasco and Planet Asia are battle-rappers of the highest order, excelling in nearly every aspect of rapping other than lyrical diversity."
''
Exclaim!
''Exclaim!'' is a Canadian music and entertainment publisher based in Toronto, which features in-depth coverage of new music across all genres with a special focus on Canadian and emerging artists. The monthly Exclaim! print magazine publishes 7 ...
'' thought that "the focus on slinging hard-hitting verbals means that the sum is ultimately less than its parts, preventing this fundamentally sound collaboration from being great." ''
CMJ New Music Monthly'' stated that the duo "swims in uninspiring four-track production."
Track listing
Bonus tracks
on 2004 release
References
2000 debut albums
Cali Agents albums
Albums produced by Madlib
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