Over the years I have not been a big rap fan. That changed early this year when I discovered the Blackalicious cd, "Blazing Arrow". That cd opened up a whole new world of music to me. That said, I still have pretty high standards when it comes to the rap world.
I read a number of good reviews for this cd. So when I saw it for sale at Circuit City for cheap there was no hesitation in picking it up. Popping it into the cd player an introdution greets me, as rap cds often have. Then it blasts into the music.
The first song is solid. It's kind of quirky, but very enjoyable. However, the second song is the gem of the entire cd. It is probably one of the best songs of the year, of any musical genre. It features female voices providing a background collage of texture over which Nappy Roots layers the rapping.
From that musical high, things tend to blur. A few songs stand out, but from there a lot of it is kind of boring. As a result, I can only half heartedly reccomend this cd. Granted, that second song keeps me from regreting this purchase and the other strong songs almost makes it one I'd listen to while driving. And lyrically they definately take a more peaceful slant to life. But there is just way too much filler here. It would have been nice to see them eliminate about six songs or so and really focus on making the remaining so so songs a lot better.
Article comments