Search - Heather B. :: Eternal Affairs

Commercial Exception

Anthony Rupert | Milwaukee, WI | 04/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Some rappers can release debut albums that are not only dope, but they're doper than anything you've heard, well, ever. But then they decided to take the jump to TV and movies, and although they're surprisingly good actors, their following albums just aren't the same (e.g. Will Smith, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Ice-T). They either change their style to appeal to the "new" hip-hop generation (in other words, they turn hardcore), or they stay true to their style but with undercooked beats and production. One exception to this way is Heather B.Listening to this album will let you know that The Real World did nothing to get in the way of her flow. You'll hear her doing her thing on tracks like "Live MC" and "Steady Rockin'". "What She Don't Know" is an interesting track about cheating that doesn't sound like what everyone else says (listen to it and you'll find that out), while "One Life" has some of the best rhymes and beats we've heard in a while. There's also the autobiographical "Young, Gifted & Black", as well as "I Will Never Change", which lets us know she'll be here for a while.This album is also where you'll find guest spots from people who many will deem unknowns, but who ironically turn out to be former Nas secondhand men. Nature helps tell us that the rap game is about "More Than The Music", and Horse (I still can't figure that out) spits lyrics on "One Life".Overall this album is good except for the production on two tracks. Pete Rock produced "Dedicated", which features Tammy Lucas. Pete's adlibs start to get annoying after a while, and Tammy appears in the chorus, but all she's doing is humming. Pete could've have gotten anybody to do that. Then DJ Premier created "Steady Rockin'", which contains an okay interpolation of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" sung during the chorus. Also, on both of these tracks, the beats sound like you've heard them a million times before. Primo and Pete can do their thing on their own albums, but on other people's it sounds like they get a little lazy sometimes.Some people may say Heather's style isn't up to par with today's hip-hop, but I say it's a good piece of work. It's about time we heard another good album from a female MC."

Eternal Affairs

SID | BOSTON | 12/25/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame that Heather B is primarily only known for her role on the first season of MTV's The Real World. Long before starring on the vanguard reality show she was an established emcee in her own right, making a splash in the underground with her single "All Glocks Down" and impressively holding her own while sharing mics with KRS-ONE as a guest on Boogie Down Productions' Sex & Violence and Edutainment LPs.
After an extended hiatus from the limelight, the "first lady of hardcore" has returned to the mic with Eternal Affairs, and it's like she never left. Her music is just as rough and rugged as heads would expect, powered by top-flight, head-nodding production, and laced with a refreshing "no junk - this is me" attitude that lends sincerity to her words. However, the travesty is that as sharp as this album is, it's non-commercial nature and lack of major label backing will keep Heather B from getting the attention she so assuredly deserves for this stellar effort. "Live MC," one of the first singles off Eternal Affairs, is a definite jam. For the majority of the piece she cleverly drops rhymes using the letters of the alphabet. Though certainly not an original concept, her witty rhyming combined with the bouncy keyboard-driven track carries off the effort. "One Life" is a thundering collabo with fellow emcee Horse, and Heather B completely tears down the mic for the fiery "You Goin' Down." Producer Luis "Sabor" Tineo contrasts a rumbling bassline with dramatics symphonic strings. Heather B also recruits a few of Hip-Hop music's finest beatmakers for this effort. DJ Premier finds a way to modify yet another version of one of his uptempo, cut-filled tracks on "Steady Rockin.'" R&B singer Twyla lends her feathery, saccharine voice to the piece as the rapper spits some venomous braggadocio on the track. Then Heather B hooks up with "soul brother number one" Pete Rock for "Dedicated." In keeping with his soulful style, Pete mixes a mellow beat with a vibrant bass groove, reverent humming vocals, and a jazzy piano loop. Lyrically, the femcee rips down her vocals, expounding on her devotion to her art. In addition to her freestyle prowess, Heather is also an extremely talented rap storyteller. "Gotta Love Me" narrates the dichotomous existence of a drug-dealer who uses his wealth and influence to try to affect positive changes in his community. She's flawless here; her painfully vivid mental images are painted with sharp, descriptive language that compliments the somber tone of the accompaniment. With the catchy, R&B-tinged "What She Don't Know," she expertly recounts the dilemma of telling her best friend that her fiancée is cheating on her. But what really makes this album special is the artist's high level of introspection and honesty. Throughout her songs she freely and openly weaves together different elements of her life and career which adds considerable sincerity to her music. This genuineness is epitomized in songs like "Nobody Knows You." With dramatic chords rising and falling over a solemn piano melody, she recollects and analyzes how the friends who surrounded her when she was at her peak abandoned her when her career lulled. She's candid and open with her pain, but uses it as motivation to move forward in the future. All things considered, this LP is definitely one of the most well constructed albums released this year. The production methodology Heather B prefers keeps with the accepted hardcore aesthetic; beats are minimalist and solid, dominated by powerful drums and captivating rhythmic accompaniment. Lyrically, the femcee is capable and versatile, spitting serrated battle raps and crafting engaging, honest stories with superior skill and intensity. Eternal Affairs is nothing less than an exceptional album by one of Hip-Hop's most underrated female emcees. Don't miss it."

I BE A LIVE M.C.!!! (3.999999 stars)

dOc | Atlanta, GA | 04/10/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First.......I'm a fan of Heather B. from way back when she was rocking with KRS-1 and BDP and before her MTV "Real World" fame. She has 10 plus years in the game and still delivers the underground lyrical heat. A friend said she sounded too much like Eve......lol.....after laughing at him for being young and dumb to underground hip-hop, I told him thats like saying Stevie Wonder sounds too much like Musiq & Glenn Lewis. This is her 3rd CD and I've managed to collect them all. If your looking for a lyrical female MC with battle style rhymes, metaphors and a host of top producers including DJ Premier, Pete Rock and more........then you need this.fav gems:
Live MC
You Goin' Down
I Will Never Change
Young Gifted and Black"