Poison Pen represents Brooklyn, New York. There's no doubt about it. On his latest album, Pick Your Poison (The Mark of the East), he definitely drives the point home. Gritty beats and grimey rhymes can be found throughout. Even Poison's flow is gutter, with his distinctive voice. It's good to get refreshed and hear some of what Joell Ortiz called "that good ol' New York rap."

The album shines on a few different cuts. Copland shows how well Poison can work with conceptual tracks. With assistance from Diabolic, Fatz, Da Assassin, Goodtime Slim and Immortal Technique, the track is basically a 2007 "Cop Killer" posse cut. He stands strong alone, rhyming fresh on "Emveez In Here" and "Stoopid." When he isn't straight rappin', he flips into comic relief with ease.

The humor flows well with punch lines, making it an enjoyable mixture on the album. At one point, he brags to show off this skill. "I can't be incognito when everybody's on my dick." While some may feel the topics get too violent, you can't deny the punch lines he unleashes. "Like a pregnancy scare, we'll be happy to see you bleed." No, he isn't a punch line king, but unlike many, at least he makes it entertaining. 

While the lyrics are nice, the beats are even better at times. "Who Are You?" flips a wonderful classic to kick things off. Later, in true New York fashion, scratched vocals fill chorus spots on "Bed Stuy Bestbuy" and "Grizzly." Oddly enough, cool Westcoast 80's vibes fill "Fif N Da Mornin." Sadly, some of the other beats leave without making a real impression.

Overall, though, there are joints that are too bland. The rhymes are lively and humorous, but at some point, you feel that it's just more of the same from Poison. Though this isn't a classic, or even close to it, the album serves as a good introduction to those who don't know Pen. If he can use his humor and raw skill over some better production, his next album should be something to look out for. As it is, Pick Your Poison is worth a listen, but it lacks replay value.