On 1996's The Resurrection, the Houston vets cleaned up the stage-blood splatter and targeted Rwanda, black-on-black sniping and Bob Dole with the most aggressive, intelligent rhymes since Public Enemy's prime. The Foundation, the first original-lineup studio release since that flag-burning turning point, turns the group's anger inward. The Boys take turns chanting, I tried to do the best I could/I guess my best ain't good enough in weary tones. Bushwick unsmilingly addresses his stature for the first time, and though he disdainfully spits, This ain't no poor little me song, his hurt resonates. Beatwise, the tracks generate warmth from sharp soul samples, and Mr. Mixx's sped-up vocals give the brilliant bio cut "Leanin' on You" a killer hook. But these Boys still aren't unfailingly mature men. Bushwick continues to clown, buddying up with Bobby Brown while flipping off Paul McCartney. And all three lyricists save space for brutal threats, most of which are directed at crooked cops, studio gangstas and "dirty bitches." Many MCs can dish out punishment, but only the Geto Boys seem brave enough to welcome friendly fire.
