MOG Editorial Review

Despite being a household name to most hip-hop fans for years, Saigon didn't officially have a true LP to his name until he released The Greatest Story Never Told, and the album was well worth the wait. While early tracks help win skeptics over by including A-list guests like Jay-Z ("Come on Baby") and Q-Tip ("The Invitation"), the guests quickly disappear for the bulk of the 18 tracks, with Saigon more than capable of handling the load on his own. While the rapper's jail time would lead a listener to assume that his debut would be filled with ferocious, angry tracks, Saigon instead defies expectations by rapping with a smooth street savvy even as he's relaying crime tales. Credit for one of the year's more surprising releases is owed equally to producer Just Blaze, who avoids heavy, gritty sounds in favor of something more funky and sample-based, all while feeling like the perfect fit for a rapper who had the patience to find his voice.