Artist: Strong Arm Steady (Xzibit, Mitchy Slick, Phil The Agony, Krondon)
Title: Strong Arm Steady DVD
Label: Fortress Entertainment
Director: Jermaine Salmond
Executive Producer: Devin DeHaven
Release Date: March 2, 2004
Reviewed By: Lil Jay
Rating: 4 of 5



Fortress is back with yet another DVD, and if you're familiar with their stuff, you have an idea as to how behind the scenes Hip Hop DVD's should be filmed. Instead of investing time in low budget movie, they
are back with another quality DVD. And again, they linked up with Xzibit and for the first time with rising rappers Mitchy Slick, Phil The Agony, and Krondon to introduce the Strong Arm Steady gang. The group of talented lyricists made a strong impression in the hip hop industry with their countless mixtapes and shows in the last few months.

The Strong Arm Steady DVD is similar in theme to the earlier Fortress projects from influential west coast artists like Dj Quik or WC. The main feature is of course the film itself which contains many things. As with other projects from Fortress, they let the viewer go behind the scenes. You get to see the Strong Arm Gang chillin backstage, in the streets, recording in the studio, performin live on stage, doing interviews or just kickin back. You name it they got it - all uncut.

It gives viewers an inside look at the group members and lets the world know what the Strong Arm Steady is all about. Each member gets about the same play time, and Xzibit is as funny and as entertaining as ever, and if you own "Restless Xposed" you will remember the hilarious skits on there, and things didnt change on this one. Fans had the possibility to hear them in the music and were eager to hear more, and thats what you get right here.

You get to see them hang out with Dj Khalil, Chace, Tha Liks, Dilated Peoples, Sir Jinx (what you know about Jinx homie?), WC, Ice-T, Busta Rhymes, Kanye West, Talib Kweli, Cypress Hill and many more.

Scene Selection:

1. Intro

A short intro by Mitchy Slick, has Will Blast talking over some concert footage.

2. Steady Gang

Insightful intro by Xzibit, telling people what the Steady Gang is all about. X is not done with his career, and coming back stronger then ever.

3. Will Blast

You will be familiar with Dj Will Blast if you're into the Strong Arm Steady mixtape series. Will Blast & the Steady Gang - the new voice of the west coast. One part of this chapter will make you laugh, this one dude holding the "O-Dog Series Vol.1" in his hands, this shit is hilarious. Will Blast is taking you for a ride to South Central.

4. Phil The Agony

The first introduction to Phil The Agony. The Steady gang members express their feelings about Phil and talk about his MC skills. He's also kicking a dope lil freestyle, he came with it on this one.

5. Krondon
The Steady gang members talk about Krondon. As Phil The Agony said about Kron, "he's takin you back but he's the next invention at the same time".

6. Mitchy Slick

An introduction to Mitchy. As he said it himself, he's "hip hop from a gangsta perspective, for those who sell dope and gangbang." Could be longer though.

7. U.C. Riverside

Xzibit clownin around at the U.C. Riverside, and alotta weed involved in this chapter... look for a Shady Records recording artist to hang out with the Steady gang.

8. Steady Gang Anthem

A live performance of the track "Space". Shows everyone on stage performing. An impressive live footage with alotta energy and charisma involved.

9. South Central
Get it live and direct from Krondon in South Central where he grew up.

10. Busta Rhymes

Xzibit gets his respect from Busta Rhymes.

11. Lowriding

Xzibit's lowrider. This MF is bad!! Everything chromed out, he got his own "Xzibit" rimz and the "Restless" silver plaque in the back. With a cameo by WC.

12. San Diego
Get a lil insight on whats it like where Mitchy Slick is from and where he lives, San Diego, CA.

13. Studio
Studio session with the Strong Arm Steady gang.

14. Talib Kweli
Lil cameo by Talib Kweli, real talk right there.

15. DJ Invisible
Xzibits Dj Invisible explains the necessary things in his Dj equipment.

16. U Cant Stop Us

A dope performance of the track "U Cant Stop Us", with each member live on stage doing it big in front of the crowd.

17. Backstage P3
Get an exclusive backstage pass at the P3 concerts, with cameos by King T and Fuzzy from Power 106.

18. Dilated Peoples
Iriscience & Babu of the Dilated Peoples & Kanye West showing love to the SAS.

19. Crescent Heights
Phil The Agony takes you to his hood and talks about how it all started with the Likwit crew. Also checks in at Fatbeats in LA.

20. Gun Range

The Strong Arm gang hit an LA gun range for some target practice.

21. Mixtapes
Good chapter right here. Krondon and Mitchy Slick in the hood keepin it movin & puttin in work by givin their mixtapes away which opens themselves up to a much wider audience.

22. Smokeout
Footage from the Cypress Hill Smokeout concert. Alotta green in this chapter!!

23. Big Boy
Big Boy & Fuzzy in the Power 106 studios talkin about the Strong Arm gang.

24. The Future
Another live performance and each member talkin about how they see their future in the group.

25. End Credits

A funny outro with Big Boy and Fuzzy in the studio, and the end credits & thank you's, including one to us @ Westcoast 2k. Much love for that we appreciate it.

Bonus Features:
- Mitchy Slick's "Trigeration Station" music video
- Photo Gallery
- Video For "Ride and Smoke"
- Hidden Scenes
- Dedication to Bigga B (Do your homework if you know dont about Bigga!!!)

Behind the scenes DVDs can get boring real quick, but Fortress have pulled it off perfectly and this DVD is entertaining all the way through. One thing though, I thought it would have been interesting to hear Xzibit speak on the reports about the incident with him and some gang members in August 03, but I guess it wouldnt have really fit in with the rest. But overall a good DVD introducing the Steady gang to the public, this is definitely something for all west coast hip hop heads. Click here to pre-order the Strong Arm Steady DVD.

For more information & to purchase the Strong Arm Steady mixtapes visit www.strongarmsteady.com and www.fortressdvd.com.