As far as lyrical prowess goes, Billy Danzenie and Lil' Fame rip the mic like a sheet of wet tissue paper. It's the music that brings a large portion of the album down. The tracks supplied by beatmakers like Big Jaz and even the tracks M.O.P. produced just don't give the MCs the due credit.

But when they enlist the right producers (namely DJ Premier and Da Beatminerz), the results are nothing less than spectacular. For evidence, check "My Kinda Nigga, Pt. II," a Beatminerz track that features Heather B... blazin'. More? How about "I Luv," a Premier-engineered track with Freddie Foxxx spitting his usual amazing lyrics. More still? How about the best installment of "Downtown Swinga" yet? It's here. Premier supplies a bouncy street beat, and the MCs go to town, stomping more Timberland-sized holes in the asphalt.

There are some moments here where the self-produced songs work. "New York Salute" rolls along and is a nice capper to what is overall a very solid album. But overall, the joint could have been improved.

m.o.p. for life
Latly m.o.p. have been blowing up large with the radio play of ante up and cold as ice, but a lot of people don't know they have been around for years, first family 4 life is there 4th album and maybe the best they have done.The album's first song is the best track on the album (rules of the game)and is produced by the greatest of all time dj premier ,who also does five other tracks on the album but m.o.p. grow on this cd by producing some of the tracks themselves and they all work. The vocals are dope and underated. The only thing wrong with first family is a cheap tune with jay-z but apart from that a classic.

First Family 4 Life
Masterpiece!! M.O.P. The last of a Dying Breed. Please, Please ignore the bad reviews. They think M.O.P stand for MOP and sh*t. Don't get it twisted... This is one of the best albums in Hip Hop History. These cats are still true to the Hip Hop roots. I miss real MC's like M.O.P. Please artist take a picture and use this as your model. M.O.P is M.O.P not a carbon copy, I wish I was on MTV, BET cats. They do hip hop they way they want to, not for just money. They love it. Please don't comment on what you do not understand. Please!!? I don't listen to country, but I respect every single artist doing it. I respect them for their very on creation. If you don't like Hip Hop Don't review it. M.O.P. True Warriors.
1 Love!

MOP keeps it real
The lyrics that MOP spews are what keeps this CD in my stereo. Some of the beats are weak, but Billy and Freddie are the friggin men. Freddie just busts out all over the place. He's awesome. Four Alarm Blaze is an awesome song, probably the best. Check this album out.

PHAT
yo i got tha cd about a week ago and i can't stop rockin' to it . these ni**as are real hardcore . they come off nice on all tha tracks.if you were thinking of getting this cd go cop it cause it's hella good dunnn !
In 1998, while all the other thugs are popping Moët, Gang Starr and their partners in rhyme, M.O.P., are finally collecting the respect they deserve. Lil' Fame and Billy Danzenie have generated buzz before, but not until First Family 4 Life have they been successful in putting together an end-to-end coherent album. Featuring guest shots from Heather B on "My Kinda Nigga, Part II" and Tef and Jay-Z on the firestarting "4 Alarm Blaze," the Mash Out Posse bring the rawest aural damage this side of the Mad Rapper. --Jon Caramanica