Posted on 05/12/2008
Coming straight out of the Chicago underground is Bless 1, the newest rapper/producer to watch for. His monotone, yet passionate flow demands your attention while simultaneously complementing the accompanying beat. And it doesn't hurt that most of Starving Artist's beats are smooth, well-crafted backdrops. Perhaps the best part about Bless's debut is the fact that he keeps it short and simple. Many times, rappers, and artists in general, feel like they have to occupy the empty space on their album with as much music as possible. What usually happens is you get a record with filler and useless skits.

Instead, on Starving Artist you're treated to 10 tracks clocking in at 28-and-a-half minutes. And none of the songs feel added-on or useless. That right there shows Bless's maturity and confidence in knowing he can make a point without a barrage of music.

As soon as "A Place in the Sun" starts, you will know why this emcee won a contest organized by "Oh Word." Bless rhymes with ease whether he's rapping about societal troubles or the daily struggle. Many of the tracks feature perfectly captured loops of guitar, "Never Give Up," or drums and bass, "Return to the Source." In particular, Bless kills it on the braggadocio-heavy, but not obnoxious, "Angular Slang II." Also solid is "We," a mellow, nostalgic piece of beauty.

Unfortunately, Starving Artist isn't completely perfect. As strong as some of his flows are, Bless still has some work to do as an emcee. He can get bogged down in sounding samey with his subject matter and rhymes. Also, like many underground rappers, the hooks are lacking at times. Yet, this is an album that deserves your attention, specifically because you can download it for free from his MySpace page. Get clickin'!

- Andrew Martin