On "The Buzz Kill," the disc's first song, Francis takes on hip-hop's bling obsession using verbiage that's simultaneously funny and angry: "I'd wear Armani if they endorsed me/So people who are poor can rob me." Selections such as "Gunz Yo," about weapons addiction, and "Agony in Her Body," a self-lacerating exploration of sex and violence, are just as provocative -- and production by Reanimator, Dangermouse and others results in sounds that are often as compelling as the words.
Distrust isn't easy listening. But oftentimes, harder is better.
