Posted on 09/08/2009
For the past few years, the model of releasing LPs to the public has changed drastically. Mixtapes, “street” albums, and the like have become standard fare – mostly free of charge. Listeners are spoiled now, what with some artists releasing better free product than their retail outputs. Chicago’s Scheme adds on to this current trend but with a twist. His new release, The Manifesto EP, has been made available as a free download but has been released to several retail outlets. The strategy behind this is simple: enjoy the LP, support it by purchasing. The question remains if this is a smart ploy or a foolhardy venture.

The intro begins with a fierce, almost sinister track from CB of the Sound Merchants. Scheme’s dauntless rhymes soar right along with CB’s backing production – and thus set the course for the EP excellently. “Respect The Art” follows immediately and 21 Grams of Sound Merchants provides the amazing horn-laced groove. Scheme’s rhymes add depth to the track with his earnest delivery and lyrics that recount his career’s arc. “Spotlight,” featuring artist Wes Restless and production from CB, while the track isn’t terrible, the attempts at making the song epic just comes off as contrived and overproduced. Scheme and Wes don’t necessarily add any true depth to the track but don’t ruin it either.

“Let Me Do My Thing” featuring the amazing Jean Grae and production from 21 Grams is a return to form. Scheme is simply amazing and Jean Grae delivers more of her typically strong work – it could be easily considered the LP’s best track. The LP’s first single (which also has an accompanying video), ”Chicano,” features production from CB, is somber in tone and reflective in lyric. Scheme’s recanting of his Latino heritage and struggles that went along with that is easy to connect with. The last full song “Extravagant Lifestyle,” features the excellent MC talents of Tone Pro and Astonish along with fantastic production from 21 Grams. The song is a fitting salvo considering the themes already present on the release. Scheme has released a strong piece here and one should hope that he intends to expand his platform with an actual full release. For now, The Manifesto EP should hold listeners over for some time.

- D.L. Chandler