Most of us in college know the Heisman trophy is awarded to college football players. However, there is a new Heisman – the “Ghetto Heisman.”

This is the title of WC’s (pronounced Dub-cee) sophomore album. It sounds cocky, but who isn’t in the rap game?

“Ghetto Heisman” consists of three skits and 13 songs with beats ranging from funked-out Parliament samples to modern bumpin’ beats with little music backing the vocals.

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The album opens with an introduction that has a “Shaft” feel to it. “Bellin” is the first track on the album, sampling a funky ’70s horn lick in the intro. When the song drops in, it is clear that Dr. Dre is one of WC’s main influences because the beat has an old school “straight outta Compton” feel. “The Streets” featuring Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg is a catchy track that sounds similar to “Xxplosive” off of Dr. Dre’s “2001.”

“So Hard” and “Flirt” both are hard-hitting tracks, with the latter sounding a bit different than what is expected out of rap. “Flirt” has a bumpin’ beat combined with ethereal synthesizer sounds that are expected to be heard in trance, not rap. It works well, though.

The whole Westside Connection, which consists of WC, Ice Cube and Mack 10, appears on “Walk,” an up-tempo party track with ear-popping bass. “Tears of a Killa” is a smooth, laid-back track with that G-Funk feel – a nice change of mood in the middle of the album. “Da Get Together” has a good drum beat, but the cheesy synthesized wha guitar ruins the song.

“Throw Ya Hood Up” sounds very similar to “One More Road to Cross” by DMX, and “Wanna Ride,” which features Ice Cube and MC Ren, combines a rough bassline with soft light chimes – another clash of moods. Again, something unexpected actually sounds good.

“Ghetto Heisman” is a good album to bump in the car or at a party. The production of the album sounds great and the album doesn’t have a repetitive sound like many rap albums do. I would say WC has earned the title of “Ghetto Heisman.”