Posted on 09/08/2009
Hip-hop’s shortage of strong female lyricists has been well documented since Lauryn Hill’s sudden departure from the genre almost a decade ago. Since then, scores of female artists have stepped up and attempted to fill the void the great L-Boogie left behind. While some ladies have carved a niche by bringing sexy back to the game, others faltered because they lacked the staying power to endure. Enter TLM, or The Lyrical Maze, and her debut album, Acronyms. On this recording, the South Carolina emcee tries to earn her place among other notable female emcees, while also showing the rest of the world that there’s raw lyricism in the South. However, there are just a few lackluster moments on Acronyms that keep TLM from reaching the pantheon of hip-hop’s elite.

TLM, a disciple of KRS-ONE’s Temple of Hip-Hop, has performed alongside the legendary Bronx emcee, and opened for Crime Mobb and Chef Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan during last year’s NWO World Warriors Tour. TLM’s album is a well-rounded package of hip-hop, dance, and rhythm and blues. For the most part, she shines brightly throughout the recording. Unfortunately for TLM, Acronyms is ultimately hindered by spotty production that fails to properly showcase her talent as a singer and spit-fire emcee. She uses her debut recording to discuss haters, parties at the club, and kicking scrubs out of her house.

After a brief introduction, Acronyms begins with “Salt & Peppa,” an organ-laced boom bap where TLM boldly tells the masses about her arrival. The next song, “Dreamin,” almost serves as the continuation of the previous track, as she proves she’s willing to battle anyone trying to stunt her progress. The mood lightens considerably on “Get Away,” a dance number where TLM sings about shaking off the long work day by partying all night. And while “Mr. Funkadelic” is an intriguing tale about a “jazz cat” she once met, the producer fails to create a suitable jazz track to accompany the back story. “Emerald City,” with its methodical pace and sultry soul vibe, is a definite highlight, while the acoustic “Me and My Guitar” is an easy way to end the album.

With Acronyms, TLM puts forth a solid effort to restore the female energy in hip-hop. She even takes cues from Lauryn by offering an eclectic blend of sounds to attract several kinds of listeners. To that end, TLM succeeds. On the next release, she could definitely benefit from stronger production. Nevertheless, TLM demonstrates that she has plenty in store.

-Marcus Moore