The Last Of A Dying Breed
Enlightened | Atlanta Georgia | 08/26/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Dead Prez are the last of a dying breed in hip hop and for those that don't know they have been putting down politically charged records since their classic debut album Let's Get Free almost a decade ago. Most receently you could hear Stic.Man's production on Nas' Untitled record where he also helped write some songs and choruses. You could tell that album had a Dead Prez feel to it couldn't you???
For comparisons sake (because that's what we do in America...rate and compare things) Dead Prez is most akin to early Ice Cube and Public Enemy (Chuck D ironically appears on this album). They rap with passion and skill looking to enlighten and inspire posiivity and truth. Even though I can accept the message they do tend to come off a little preachy at times but like I said before M-1 and Stic.Man are highly skilled. The production is fitting on most tracks perfectly complimenting the themes and rarely overbearing and drowning out Dead Prez. The songs that I believe deserve the most attention would be the breezy Summertime (the single off the album, NYPD, Running Wild, Life Goes On, Gangster Gangster, and Stimulus Plan. The guests appearances from excellent artists such as Chuck D, Avery Storm, and Bun B surprisingly come off as an afterthought...and rightly so...Dead Prez needs no help whatsoever lyrically on this album.
Overall, this is a very good cd from Dead Prez. Although not mindblowing like Let's Get Free was, it's still a return to form for the group. You should know that this is borderline riot/revolution music as well and is strikingly different from anything you would hear on mainstream radio. This is not safe music. What it is though is one of the best albums of the year that you should definitely check out if you're a hip hop fan. Wake Up."
Dark but good
Cheezees | 06/26/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Stimulus Plan" is the song that stands out the most to me. The lyrics are still hard-hitting/gritty and the album sounds more sullen than previous ones. This one sounds like true (cliche, I know)hip hop. (Kinda like Immortal Technique...so I'm guessing DJ Green Lantern can have that effect). I went to the album release and I am not disappointed!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1