Leezy Soprano, the M.C. from 45th and perhaps the most popular MC from Tacoma right now, just released an official album titled "All Due Respect." It's a pretty clear message. Soprano feels he's the best doing it in Tacoma and he's out to get his props. Leezy is locally big right now. He's still grounded though. Soprano is at local events often and he still rocks local shows. He's also not too cool to hang and relate with his fellow local artists. Even though Leezy's blowing-up, he's still accessible. I recently caught him at Ethnic Fest at Wright Park. He was there with his usual group of Y Lyfe T-Shirt slangers. He had a box of CDs with him. He blessed me, so here goes a review.

The album intro starts off strong with a hard West Coast beat. Leezy wastes no time flipping the track to death. The intro is banging and it's as long as a normal track. The hook has Leezy singing. Then it's Soprano going back and forth with himself, playing different friends on the phone. It's some classic hip-hop phone play.

Track 3, titled "Gangsta," is a more upbeat, party-sounding, West Coast song. It features Guce, Swaylow and Cee Foe. It's a G-Fonky gangsta tale. Leezy does what he usually does with a track - floss and assassinate his haters, and he does it well.

Track 5, "Hella Photogenic," is a radio/club single-type song. It's got Motamouth Jones and Ashton Rowe. Like the title, it's got a braggadocio vibe. Jones nails down his verse with his usual chop and speed. 

Track 7, "Respect My Grind," features West Coast Los Angeles legendary hook singer Kokane. This song is catchy, similar to track 3, "Gangsta." Leezy handles all the rapping like a running back running through an opponent's defense.

Track 9, "Better Left Alone," featuring Tyisha, is my favorite song. This song is the most thoughtful and lyrical. Incredibly introspective, the third verse is jaw dropping. Leezy speaks on a past accident that he was involved in that cost the life of a friend. It's a brave, touching moment on the album.

He's back to his rider, West Coast, bounce beats on track 11, "West Up," featuring Cally Reed (Element from Second Family).  This song is extra Tacoma though, with the verse from Cally Reed. He shows why many consider him the strongest MC in The Town.

Soprano's strongest moments are when he gets personal. Track 12, "My Bro," featuring Swaylo, is one of those moments. Leezy raps about the loyalty, respect and love he has for his friends, family, supporters and crew. The second verse he talks about the importance of his craft. He appreciates the opportunities his music has given him.

The next song on the album is in the same vein. It's a friendly ode to his fans and his skills. The beat on this track stands out - it's more soulful and less G-funky than the other tracks. 

Leezy's best is when he's flowing about stuff other than women. His songs about females are pretty formulaic. However, when Soprano raps on other tracks his flow is unique. It's almost as if every bar he spits is as precise as a line in a hook or chorus. He rides his pocket hecka well. He makes sure every bar he says fits in perfectly. He also has an infectious habit of smoothly, subtly, yet melodically stressing the last word in all his lines. It makes for a very musically tight flow. Soprano also has some skillful wordplay. There's something on this album that any hip-hop and even R&B fans will like ... Y-Life.