Posted on 06/02/2009
Leading by example with assistance from Scram Jones, Rhymefest has pieced together an archetypal mixtape. Is there Beef? Check. Swagger? Check. Classic songs given a new twist? Check. Throw in a few daring moves, some safe bet filler and hit and miss skits and you have El Che's manifesto.

Che is Rhymefest’s government name and he shares the Argentine's fiery temperament and passion. "Arrogant, all-American" he pairs himself to Malcolm X, Chuck D and JC. “Overpaid Lover” features some wonderfully put bars comparing Jesus and his haters whilst paying homage to Heavy D is wonderfully put.

Rhymefest lights up when he gets on his pulpit, whether it is tearing Charles Hamilton up on "Supersonic" (whilst highlighting his own odd appearance on Sky News as an intro) or praying to God and the Devil in church on "Exodus 5.1." Exodus is an intense scattered treatise on faith and injustice. Elsewhere his tendency to bring the brimstone to metrosexuals or hipsters does seem a bit of a waste of hot air.

Appearances from golden-era vets, most notably CL Smooth on “Deal's a Deal” and Queen Latifah who does damage on "Goin In," show Rhymefest shooting for greatness and/or feel-good. He has a light-hearted battle with Warm it Up-era Big Daddy Kane and loses but fares better with his Native Tongue medley.

Scram Jones handles most of the production and whilst every track may not astound, they bubble along nicely, “Party 4 Free” (feat Greg Nice) and the sultry "Prove Myself" stand out from the throng.

"RNQ" is a freshly sinister DJ Premier production that bullies and almost outshines all of Scram's hard work. The "real quotes" selected help restate the fact that while The Manual has not really rewritten the rule book, it's managed to add pep to the genre. Who knew manuals could be so much fun?

Sonia N