Afroman
The Good Times
(Universal)

You may not know the name, but you’re probably familiar with Afroman’s recent single “Because I Got High.”

The song has made an impression on radio stations across the United States combining a generic, albeit catchy, rhythm with lyrics that could’ve been written during fourth period of high school.

With lines like “I was going to go to class before I got high. I could’ve cheated, and I could’ve passed, but I got high,” there’s no doubting the song’s humor, nor its ability to get stuck in your head.

“Because I Got High” might also explain what Afroman, known to his family as Joseph Foreman, was doing 10 years ago when this album should’ve been released.

I’m all for going back to an old school style now and then, but “The Good Times” takes that to another level.

The entire album sounds like 2 Live Crew- and Too Short-inspired lyrics combined with the methodical rapping skills of Biz Markie and Grandmaster Flash. That would’ve have made a good album a decade ago, but it’s not exactly groundbreaking in 2001.

“The Good Times” comes complete with references to 40 ounce beers, blunts and the usual sexual endeavors of any good rapper all complimented by classic synthesizer beats.

With other tracks such as “Let’s All Get Drunk” and “Crazy Rap.” I could tell you that “Because I Got High” is just one of many great songs on the album. But I won’t.

Actually there aren’t any other outstanding songs on “The Good Times,” but the album is still good for a few laughs. It’s kind of like that Denis Leary disc you bought eight years ago and laughed your head off to the first time you heard it but haven’t played it since.

I recommend getting the Afroman album the same way you should have heard that Denis Leary album.

Borrow it.