Posted on 08/19/2009
2009 has been a banner year for DMV-based (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) producer and MC, Oddisee. Oddisee’s work ethic is beyond respectable after dropping the critically acclaimed In The Ruff, a project he’s released with Diamond District, working with artists in the UK (Tranquil, Oliver Daysoul), and remixing albums (Trek Life’s New Money). Over the course of his career, Oddisee has collaborated and performed alongside a virtual who’s who of underground hip-hop. He has invited a number of his past collaborators along with some new folks to forge his strong compilation LP Mental Liberation, featuring production solely from Oddisee.

The LP gets off to a fantastic start with the playfully boastful, “Hip Hop Is Cool Again.” Oddisee’s track is mesmerizing and his lyrics are crisp. The hook is the perfect shift in mood, and boosts the song’s appeal greatly. Next is “Let The Music” featuring the vocal talents of LMNO. The two MCs trade bars in classic fashion although the style disparity couldn’t be more vast. The blend works on many levels and the hook features some nimble scratching – a sorely missing element in today’s climate. “The Jungle” is an early highlight, featuring Haasaan Mackey and vocalist Bilal Salaam. Oddisee is absent on vocals but it matters little. Mackey’s aggressive style pairs well with Oddisee’s production, and Bilal Salaam’s vocals are nothing short of angelic. “Get Up” has the unenviable distinction of following such a dynamic song. Featuring Declaime (Dudley Perkins), Diamond District’s yU, and Prince Po, the track sounds like a dream on paper. Instead, it is a lumbering and taxing affair. However, Declaime has not sounded this inspired on the microphone in some time and yU’s verse is more of his usual strong work. The track isn’t bad, but it’s not wholly impressive.

Originally featured on the G&D LP SomOthaShip, the track “Endure” gets the remix treatment from Oddisee. Featuring MED, Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother and Georgia Anne Muldrow, the track is meandering lyrically. Both MCs deliver slightly interesting verses, overshadowed by Oddisee’s excellent track and Muldrow’s strong vocals on the chorus. Another strong remix is “Don’t Sleep,” originally produced by Black Milk. Featuring the incredibly well matched MCs Invincible and Finale, this version takes an already good song and makes it great. The lyrics are reworked with Oddisee joining the duo and actually spitting the best verse. However, all three MCs completely display why they’re deeply respected. The album ends with the superb “Everything Changes,” an instrumental number. This jazzy and fitting end to an already diverse record displays the full range of Oddisee’s talents.

There are several styles of production present and Oddisee produces audio winners seemingly without effort. The MCs on the record aren’t always mind-blowing and it’s not a stretch to say Oddisee sounds more at home on his own tracks, but when everything is lined up this artist has little in the way of peers right now.

- D.L. Chandler