OK, so not all hip hop is awful
Posted August 09, 2008
By dlhawkins,
Most of us get stuck on the music of our high school and college years. It seems that the sounds that please us then draw boundaries around what we will like in later years. If you are not there yet, don't be too quick to say, "Not me." I said that too.
I also said that the words "rap" and "music" should not be used in the same sentence, unless there was a "not" in there somewhere. I grudgingly made an exception for DC Talk's "Jesus Freak," but always thought the song would have better without the rap.
Then I read a positive review of 4th Avenue Jones' album "Stereo: The Evolution of HipRockSoul." I tried the song samples. I debated. I broke down and ordered it. And this is not easy to admit. It grew on me. Here's why:
It's hugely melodic.
It's reminiscent of 70's soul music
It's got fantastic vocal performances
Another factor is that most of the raps are interspersed with singing. It's more like "rap lite" instead of non-stop patter, and it works. Ahmad and 4th Avenue Jones have created a fun, rocking record that drips charisma and style.
Personal favorites include "Monumental," a song about getting "enough for me and all my kin folks" (including a big, huge, monumental, stretched out, four door Continental). It's a reflection of life in South Central LA and dreams of better. Ultimately, it communicates the deeper longing for Heaven, where all things are fair and right and good.
Another that follows the same theme is "Caesar." Ahmad builds the song one instrument at a time until he's ready to add his lyrics. It's a catalog of wrongs perpetrated by the powers that be, and a warning that the Messiah is going to set things to rights.
For me to give a record with any rap in it a 4.5 star review is, um, monumental. Try it--it's worth the trip. View All Music And Book Reviews By dlhawkins | View dlhawkins's Profile
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