Posted on 05/04/2009
“From BX to Motown, that’s how it goes down” intones Big Tone over the opening bars of “Broken Logos.” And that pretty much is how it goes down on The Art of Ink. True to his Detroit roots Big Tone has made an album that takes Motown as its base, before chopping it up and laying down some sharp rhymes infused with some good ol’ Berry Gordy hustle. It is immensely satisfying stuff.

The slightly ponderous intro “Skin Deep” aside, The Art of Ink is straight heat - as you’d really expect from an album that features contributions from players of the calibre of Blu, Guilty Simpson, Dwele and Ta’Raach. The mix of soul samples, heavy basslines and real talk that characterises the album launches spectacularly with the incendiary “Business.” Propelled by an infectious guitar hook that could be lifted straight from The Funk Brothers and insistent handclaps, it signals more clearly than any brag or boast that Big Tone really does mean business on his second album. As he suggests on the epic “A Song Called Triumph,” it’s the sound of one man turning the volume of his dreams up. Loud.

It’s soul with an edge that can happily switch between the sultry sweetness of “The Look” and the rawness of “Scapegoat,” an impassioned defence of hip-hop from its many casual critics. But if there’s one song that best encapsulates Big Tone’s philosophy, it’s “Chocolate,” which chops up chiming male and female vocals with an emotional black history folktale. It might not be the most original metaphor, but it’s powerful stuff and the beat is brilliant.

Another highlight is “Folktale,” that features yet another delicious sample, dope drum break, and a suitably witty and engaging story about Big Tone’s trouble with a date. Its only fault is that the promised finale doesn’t materialize. But the fact that Big Tone actually leaves you wanting for more is a large testament to his skills as an MC and producer.

As “a celebration of the hip-hop writer and tattoo art” that Big Tone intended, The Art Of Ink definitely comes out in favour of the former. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable and provocative album that might not garner him the Grammys that his Mom asks about in “Business,” but should push him a long way in the right direction. “A Song Called Triumph”? Nah. More like the sound of triumph.

- Will Georgi