Posted on 05/04/2009
Over the course of American music history, there have been many family bands. The Jackson 5, The Partridge Family, The Jonas Brothers, The Osmonds… and on and on. In hip-hop, the most famous family is debatable - and it’s almost exclusively siblings. Dr. Dre and Warren G come to mind, Audio Two (MC Lyte’s brothers), and I know a few of the members of BONE were brothers. So the family connection is out there, and understandably so.

But a mother and son hip-hop duo? Has this ever been done? I guess it has now, with the release of Eligh and Jo Wilkinson’s On Sacred Ground: Mother and Son. This is a very interesting concept that would make most cringe, but given Eligh’s formidable background (as a member of Living Legends along with the likes of MURS and The Grouch and 5 others), it comes as no surprise to this reviewer that there are some absolute gems on this album.

What is, perhaps, most enjoyable is the obvious bond of respect between Eligh and Jo during this album’s process. Neither artist is trying to step out of their respectful realm and be something they’re not. Eligh is an outstanding emcee, and he brought his friends The Grouch, Slug and Pigeon John along. Jo is quite clearly a California folk singer, and the combo - believe it or not - actually works. I think it is because Jo’s voice on the hooks of the hip-hop laced songs actually acts as a sort of “live ghost sample” if you will. That is to say, she sounds like a sample - and that is a compliment.

The downfall of this album is the end - where Jo does several folky, solo, acoustic numbers. All the songs reflect a positive message, but it seems that the end of the album is more for family, not critics. Cool. If it hurts the score and helps the bond, I think everyone is okay with that.

- LK1