Ralph Dog Afflictions

• Words: James Friedman
• Label: Bomb Hip-Hop
• XLR8R Rating: /10

Despite the highly questionable album art, which features emcee Ralph Dog behind bars as well as a bunch of Polaroids of a really busted dominatrix, I approached Afflictions with an open mind. After all, San Francisco's Bomb Hip-Hop has released some classic records, such as the hugely influential Return Of The DJ series. Unfortunately, their latest fails to measure up to the imprint's reputation. Featuring what can only be described as mediocre production by Cherok and rhymes from the self-confessed "antichrist of hip-hop," Ralph's sadist schtick gets old quickly. With all the depravity and none of the charm of fellow honky psychopath Cage, Ralph Dog's hackneyed rhymes and rap-rock attitude are afflictions unto themselves.