New OkayArtist

The Abstract

Q-Tip

 Modern hip-hop and R&B music can both arguably be divided into pre- and post-A Tribe Called Quest, and the musical efforts of its lead MC and producer Kamaal Ibn John Fareed-better known to the world as Q-Tip. Consider the jazzy sampling, laid-back tempos and boho-chic vibe he introduced, then mull over the bohemian posturing and sounds of the neo-soul movement, plus any rap music that shies away from hardcore posturing. All roads lead back to ATCQ and the beats, rhymes and life of one man: Q-Tip. And now the time is ripe for The Renaissance, the Abstract MC's first solo album in nine years. Read more...

latest reviews.

Eric Benet

Love & Life
(Reprise : 2008)
89B+

Various Artists

Zang Tumb Tuum: The ZTT Box Set
(ZTT/Salvo : 2008)
89B+

Illa J

Yancey Boys
(Delicious Vinyl : 2008)
77C

The Flaming Lips

Christmas On Mars
(Warner Bros. : 2008)
75C

Restiform Bodies

TV Loves You Back
(Anticon : 2008)
73C

Various Artists

The Roots Of Hip Hop
(Harte Recordings : 2008)
84B

reviews.

latest.

 

Birdmonster
From The Mountain To The Sea
(Fader : 2008)
70C-
Posted on 09/04/2008
Birdmonster’s sound on From the Mountain to the Sea is wide open and expansive. It’s no surprise many of the songs were written in a desert cabin. You can picture stark quiet with nothing but the band’s tender melodies decorating an isolated, natural landscape. Translate that to audio and the beauty is a double-edged sword. At times on the band’s sophomore effort, such quiet is a strength allowing you...
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Hits: 399
 
 

Terrence Howard
Shine Through It
(Columbia Records : 2008)
89B+
Posted on 09/02/2008
I was so ready to clown this album, but I am forced to reserve all that hate for another occasion. Most people struggle to find one thing they’re good at, so the odds were slim that this actor is actually a good singer, too. But T-Ho actually compiled some exciting tracks for Shine Through It. It’s refreshing to hear a different male voice in music, one that isn’t afraid to...
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Hits: 3178
 
 

Hell Rell
Black Mask, Black Gloves
(Babygrande : 2008)
84B
Posted on 09/02/2008
File this under: dope albums that purists like me would likely ignore.

You can’t front, if you saw Black Mask, Black Gloves in the Best Buy aisle, you’d bypass it for that Heltah Skeltah album, thinking the former was some typical mainstream rap crap.

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Hits: 872
 
 

Twilight Sentinels
Meanwhile...
(F5 Records : 2008)
70C-
Posted on 09/02/2008
There is no denying the fact that the "true school" mentality has become as played out as "ringtone rap." And just like in any other genre, the acts that hold onto a classic style can sound like carbon copies of their musical forefathers. But in Twilight Sentinels' case, they pull it off. Although they aren't exact clones of past emcees and producers, they are certainly influenced by the hip-hop many...
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Hits: 350
 
 

Sonya Kitchell
This Storm
(Decca/Velor : 2008)
85B
Posted on 09/02/2008
It’s odd how music can find you at just the right time. Ironically enough, I popped in This Storm on a torrential Monday morning. The office was quiet and being a bit of a vampire, all the lights were out, casting a hazy shadow over the expanse of the room with its large desks and sofas overlooking damp SoHo streets. The news of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes’ unexpected deaths...
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Hits: 430
 
 

Invizzibl Men
The Unveiling
Backwoodz Studioz
50F
Posted on 09/02/2008
Fans of hardcore hip-hop know it doesnít get any more hardcore than M.O.P. Another east-coast duo, Invizzibl Men (consisting of members MarQ Spekt and Karniege) attempt to reinvent the wheel of "gunmetal rap" with their debut LP. After listening to The Unveiling, however, I honestly have no idea what the said wheel has been reinvented into. Only one phrase comes to mind: "M.O.P. Light."
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Hits: 351
 
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