Select "dead or alive" as the album title, the situtaion is mindful of the Kool Savas was in before the release of this album, quite understand. The major deal with BMG runs from known towards the end of the year (and after completing this album) and at home Optik Records you stand it either automatically try as independent label or to look for another partner before the difficult decision. The decision, however, would clearly be easier if "dead or alive" would finally achieve the so awaited commercial success. That much is expected from the self-proclaimed "King of Rap", however, is understandable. Having to wait almost five years his second solo album can be, he must not be afraid of the critical Beäugung his plate. At first glance seem "dead or alive" only once not to be expected from the masses "About Album". The most obvious "flaws" here is probably the very Spartan tracklist. With just eleven separate songs (including intro and the already pre-published "Voices of Authority"), the instrumental of the album track "dead or alive" and an acapella to "Mona Lisa" to get just on 14 tracks and a total playing time of 43 minutes and 53 seconds. Since some mixtapes were of him for some time. But ultimately it is not about quantity but about quality. And there are on this album really enough. Melbeatz which shows itself responsible for the style of the album, and only sporadic support of Amar ("Intro", "Just a Game") and Face Error ("dead or alive") receives, has delivered a solid and convincing work. The album is meant to be improved rough mix. There are very many rough edges in the form of clapping drums, rattling snares and an excessively pounding bass. But also very melodious tones were struck, considering for example the ballad "melody" in the Savas from Senna (Monrose) and Moe Mitchell (the House Internal singer) gets support. Although this song is drifting menacingly toward kitsch, the embarrassment, has not been exceeded. As stark contrast to "Mona Lisa" by contrast shows. An incredible skill massacre is organized here, that has no equal. Savas ticks all the boxes and takes over flow changes, Double Time Parts and rhythm variations from nothing. Could not be better! More special mention should still learn the socially critical song "Sick". The concept is similar to "The best day of your life" only much more mature and experienced raptechnisch.
Conclusion: It gets Although not a particularly long Savas album, but one where 100% Savas's inside. This is evident from the fact that up to Azad ("on top") no other rapper was featured. Seen Raptechnisch there is probably still nobody in Germany could take on Savas, but is "dead or alive" Unfortunately, again not the promised "German Chronicle". Has what on the one hand to do that Savas is apparently still not able to album-length and secondly the fact that still has not reached its zenith in spite of the significant increase in the production capacity of Melbeatz, the quality of the sound.
