It’s a long time since I really enjoyed a rap record. The industry seems to have taken over and injected huge doses of R&B and ‘pop’ in addition to toning down language. This album returns to rap roots with an ambience that leaves one in no doubt that things ain’t quite what they should be out there in urban USA. It’s a doom-laden collection of songs (with just a few delectable and diverse lighter moments) by an artist who pulls no punches, and which place him firmly in the top echelon of rappers.

There’s one line in the vicious intro to the album that hits straight between the eyes: “This nation thrives off misery” The intro is performed by Black Ice and includes a devastating indictment of black youth culture, the ‘industry’ and much more. The instrumental backdrop is bare bones, elemental, cold and hard. The emphasis is on the poetry, and words that cut like a marine’s finely engineered bayonet, designed to kill with ruthless efficiency. Gangsta is a prime example with verse 1 lines: “I’m still livin’ la vida loca / wit’ wholesale prices on weed and coca / fa’ the hustlers, fa’ the customers…” As the album progresses a few more sounds are introduced such as keyboards and vinyl scratching as he sings about girls on Girls before the darkness descends again with Church. The latter has a preacher (guest performer Charlie Murphy) ranting in the background (“Brothas and sistas / We’re gathered here today to hear a man that’s on fire”), while Jack Jackson aka Fabolous aka ‘man on fire’ fires off tirades about religion and bitches. One thing’s for sure, he ain’t goin’ to heaven…

The second half of the album introduces several lighter and delicious moments with songs like the supremely melodic Can You Hear Me that is boosted by some angelic female backing vocals, twinkling keyboard notes, and could be a shooting star of a single (minus several F… words). The gangsta vibe returns with a vengeance though as Do The Damn Thing explodes with one of the most downbeat and dark background instrumental vibes that I’ve ever heard.

This is an important rap album with just enough diversity to keep one slashing one’s wrists. It’s lyrically astute and boasts production that focuses on the singer’s lyrics which are clarity personified. It’s the rap album of the year.

4.5/5