ArtOfficial
It’s bold, funky and fun. Lets start there as I try to describe ArtOfficial’s Vitamins And Minerals album. From the attention-deserving lyrics and delivery against the thumping sound of this well-staffed band on a mission to funk the sh*t out of you. It’s the horns, it’s the rhythm section, it’s the flow; simply put, it’s most things about what they do as a collective that makes this a band to watch for. The energy captured by the production here speaks to their ability to deliver a stellar live show. As funky as things might get, they still get mellow (as I found out with the title track).
Capturing the sunny essence of their home state of Florida, the band brings a bright outlook (see “Low Level”). While they do not really pave new ground, they do their thing really well, well enough to keep the album in rotation and make a fan out of me. Bringing in the likes of Amanda Diva, Michelle Forman, Asuka Barden and Anita Faye Wilson to guest, giving things a well-rounded feel. Check for cuts like “Rumor Says” (Feat. Anita Faye Wilson and Donald Lowe), the funky (but short) “8785” and “Can’t Keep Running In Place” (Feat. Wrekonize and DJ Fuse).
In all, it’s a good album. If you like your contemporary hip-hop, filled with the joy of live instrumentation, dope enough for you to bump and share with friends/family, then this is that joint. This one will hit hard in the ride, at the crib and even more--I suspect--when you see them live.
-Enyi
