![[album cover]](http://static.okayplayer.com/images/stories/substantial.jpg)
Substantial
Sacrifice
(QN5 : 2008)
The title of DC rapper Substantial’s sophomore LP is a bit of a tease. Sacrifice indicates a loss or trade-off of one thing for another, but Substantial spares virtually nothing on the album, establishing himself as a complete MC and bright young talent.
The album kicks off with the low-key jazz vibe “Let It Go,” Substantial’s lyrical manifesto. Words spilling out off-rhythm like a poetry jam, he cuts through the clouds with optimism and wit (“Though I’m often stressed and I fight with depression/I’ve realized life is a lesson/I don’t always like where I’m heading but I write with aggression”). The same be-bop interpolation creeps in on “My Favorite Things” (produced by Definition), a clever concept track that lets Substantial show off his elastic flow and wordplay.
Substantial’s every-man versatility allows Sacrifice to go wherever it likes, and there’s plenty to like here. “Resurrection of the House Party” is exactly what it sounds like: a breezy anthem for sloppy nights around the keg. He can also get introspective over Kno’s soulful production on “It’s You (I Think)” or turn up the swag on “That Damn Good.” Thankfully, strong production from Algorythm and others are able to keep up with the subject matter, most notably the bluesy organs and bass of his hometown tribute “A P.G. Boy,” courtesy of Deacon the Villain.
The only thing holding this album back is a few extraneous tracks. If clipped down to around 11 or 12, Sacrifice could have been even better. But even as it stands, the album is a gem of honest, tight rhymes and dope beats that should get Substantial plenty of attention in the future.
- Martin Caballero
Peace to Substantial!!! Keep doing your thing.
if you don’t cop this album, you’re snoozing.
this album is hot fiyah
Figured there might be a comment about “Sign Language.” I’ll assume that wasn’t part of the author’s extraneous category.
Anywho, he is right that there is plenty to like.
This album is most def worth the money.
Dope LP Substantial! I’m loving the music fam. I’ve had the pleasure of performing with Substantial and I can say..if you love his LP, you would love his live performance.
Much respect bredren,
oneluv
Sean-Toure’
Most definitely the tip of the ICe berg as far as Substantials’s skills are concerned. Yes , He IS THAT DAMN GOOD!!!!
SUBSTANTIAL HAS THE SOUL OF MARVIN GAYE AND THE INOVATIVENESS OF KRS. PURE RAW TALENT FROM ANY POINT OF VIEW.
ya’ll gotta go pick this one up.
Nice review. The Sacrafice comes form what Substantial probably had to go thru to make the album.
Hot fiya, son!
Peace!
G
Sacrafice is probably what Substantial had to go thru to make the album, but still a great review!
And a great album fam!
G
This was a hella good LP. A cool ass dude too from meeting him in Frisco at the CunninLynguists show.
good album…but i was dissapointed that there was no nujabes production. i like his first album better.