In the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, Mannie Fresh was on top of the world, crafting hit after hit as the in-house producer for New Orleans' Cash Money crew. He helped bring Dirty South rap into the mainstream, and was largely responsible for the success of Juvenile, Lil Wayne, BG, and Baby the Birdman. But though Wayne has ascended to the heights of superstardom, Mannie and most of the gang have been left in the dust, overlooked by audiences and their former homie alike. Still Mannie remains one of the best producers in the game, and, though his MC skills aren't exactly devastating, he's competent and likeable enough to hold it down in the vocal booth as well as behind the boards. Return Of The Ballin is his second solo joint (following 2004's criminally overlooked The Mind of Mannie Fresh, and plays much the same, with plenty of syncopated beats, bugged-out synths, and rhymes centering around cash, cars, and females. The guest talent (Swagg Starz and Russell Lee) does their thing, and there are a few certified jams here, check for "I Smell Like Money," "Like A Boss," and "Go Girl."