Review :

Many know him as Omillio Sparks of State Property from the infamous record label, Roc-A-Fella Records. Omillio Sparks is back and has formed his independent label, Colossal Entertainment. Not only did he get his fame from the group, but he also wrote songs, verses, and hooks for State Property 1 album and State Property 2. He also wrote the hook for Jay-Z’s, ’I Just Wanna Love You’ off the Dynasty album and ’As One’ off the Blueprint 2 : The Gift & The Curse. While the new album, The Payback, is laced with several party anthems, it still takes on a personal tone. Omillio Sparks is back, but don’t call it a comeback - he’s been here for years !

Omillio Sparks (A.K.A. Kenneth Johnson) provides his debut solo album with "The Pay Back" (2007). The Philadelphia MC, one half of the duo 0 & Sparks and former State Property member provides a sixteen track release which features guest appearances from J.I., Nina Ross, A.R., Peedi Crakk & Jah Selah. The album’s opener is "For The Love Of The Money", Sparks gets thing started rhyming to his audience, backed by a decent sample on the chorus. Sparks rhymes with a fast flow over "I’m So Down", then provides a generic sub par club track with "DJ Turn It Up". First standout track for me is "Paper Chase", Omillio Sparks provides some introspective heartfelt lyrics talking about his life, and getting his grind on to feed his children. Sparks willingness to open up and take his audience into his life on this cut works well. Sparks takes things back to the club with "My Lil’ Drink", which is a watered down poorly produced party track. Singer J.I. is enlisted for "I See U Watchin Me", while Sparks rhymes about a green eyed lady he wants to get down with. Next up is a mediocre relationship cut in "Don’t Break". A.R. and female MC Nina Ross appear on "The Movement" a less then memorable collaboration. The album’s title track "The Pay Back" never gets off the ground. Former State Property associate Peedi Crakk appears on the "Ain’t My Fault" (Remix), Sparks rhymes are especially weak on this one. "Walk Right" is laced with a bumping beat, Sparks rhymes about roaming the streets, upcoming court cases and having his gun game on lock among other things. Another repetitive track follows in "Came From Nothin", Sparks rhymes about being a G, backed by some weak production and an annoying chorus. Sparks keeps the thugged out rhymes going on "This Is The Life". Sparks changes the scenario some with "In The Ghetto" which features an appearance from Jah Selah, Sparks rhymes about poor children who grow up with no opportunity in the hood, in a track dedicated to lost girls and past friends who have died. The closer "Bonus Track" is another below average fast paced cut. "The Pay Back" is a below average under produced album, with a few decent track’s, I would only recommend this one to die-hard fans.

Tracklisting :