Personnel: Tha Alkaholiks.
You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here--FIREWATER is the grand finale for hip-hop partiers par excellence Tha Alkaholiks, who have been torching the candle from both ends since their 1993 debut, THA TRIFLIN' ALBUM. The infectious "The Flute Song" mixes a seductive Eastern motif with typical 'Liks drinking, smoking, and partying themes, while "Party Ya Ass Off" explains the group's decision to split and continue separate careers against a predictable background of mayhem. There's an attempt at a conventional vocal on "Poverty's Paradise," but the trio sound best on the more familiar territory of "Drink Wit Us," which runs down a comprehensive list of legendary hip-hop names who hang out with them, because "making funky music is a must"--and you can't argue with that.