Search - Mad Son :: Peace Amongst the MaDness

A Great Album

Vol | 03/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No, it's not a gansta rap, and it's not about guns, rims, and hoes, or whatever, so if you are into all that, then this album is probably not for you..



The lyrics are amazing, truly, Son knows what he's doing. Each song carries a message with it, and everything is put together well. It's quite different from what I usually listen to, but it's a good 'different'. From the start to the finish, the album is solid. The music he uses is quite unique too, and I guess here is where some might find that it's not really their style, but I personally like it, in some cases, a lot.



Basically, you definately need to pick this baby up, but make sure you pre-view it first somehow, just so you know what the guy is all about. It can go two ways ... either you hate it as soon as you listen to it, or you like it and it only grows on you when you go through it a few times and really listen to what the man is saying.



5/5 from me, great album!"

A solid solo debut

Alan Pounds | Minneapolis, MN | 09/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mad Son--half of the Minneapolis underground hip-hop duo Unknown Prophets--releases his first solo debut album, "Peace Amongst the Madness". His counterpart, Big Jess, takes care of the production, which is filled with a wide array of classical music, and soothing string arrangements. The Unknown Prophets have been rocking out quality material since 1997, and in 2004 we got to see Mad Son and Big Jess venture off into different directions, creating very different solo works. Big Jess' solo debut, "Good Clean Fun!" was just that, but once you dig deeper, it goes far beyond that sentiment. Mad Son's album feels darker, and just as personal. Although the album is dark, it still conveys peace and positivity quite beautifully. Overall, his solo project is a clearer representation of his true persona.



There is a respectable sense of self-deprecation, personal insight, and the hunger to reach the masses included in the material. My personal favorite would be the utterly captivating "Unimpressed" featuring additional vocals by Joia Senser. Other highlights include "10 Days Left", "Paradise", "Tommy's Revenge" (actually the sequel to the Unknown Prophets song "The Wrong Route" off of their debut album "World Premier" - a classic), and the tight verses from "Keep On" featuring Big Jess.



Overall, this album is quite strong. But like Big Jess' second solo release, "Good Clean Fun 2: The Super Jump-Off", I think he will WOW us with something even better in the coming months/years. Don't underrate the Unknown Prophets. They truly are among the greatest group in underground hip-hop. When the year comes to a close, they will have 9 albums/EPs under their belts. Strike while the iron is hot, take a chance, and become a believer."

Hip Hop at it's finest

Alan Pounds | 07/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A definite buy. Not one track lacks quality. Fans of Unknown Prophets and every hip hop fan out there - grab this cd as soon as possible."