Search - Maestro Fresh Wes :: Maestro Zone

Holy ****ing ****... have I really been sleeping on this?

rap is real | California, USA | 06/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow... I can't believe it. How could an emcee - and a Canadian emcee at that - rip the mic in 91 like its 95?! Nasty Nas, Tragedy Khadafi and Main Source, you say? Ha, not even... all of 'em pale in comparison to the magnum opus that is Maestro Zone. The title couldn't be more accurate; for 57 minutes straight he kicks lines that not only make you pause cause they're all dope punchlines but because of the intricacy of his rhyme scheme. To top off the amazing lyrics he has both mic presence and the cadence of what you'd think is a seasoned vet instead of someone with a mere two albums. His performance here is easily comparable to Big L's on Lifestylez Ov Da Poor N Dangerous and even to another early mic ripper, Godfather Don.



His dad must've had great taste in records as the Maestro claims that's where he got his beats from. For being from Canada he fits like a glove into the NYC scene, rhyme and beat wise. Expect dope jazz breaks layered with equally jazzy saxophones.



Even the concept of the album's in line with NYC hip hop: Maestro was focusing on makin wack emcees back down, reppin his home and a couple of songs for the ladies. And upon occasion, the Maestro would delve into the prejudice and unfairness every black man, Canadian, American or otherwise, has to deal with. Despite the standard subject matter, though, what takes the album to the next level is the refined way he tackles anything he chooses to rap about; he never gives a half-baked effort.



Which brings me to the next point: There is not a single bad song on this album. There isn't even an okay song on this album. Even describing any single song on this album as good might be an understatement. Simply put, this is a classic, and to skip this would be doing yourself a disservice. The phrase "Sophomore Slump" and this album should never be mentioned together in an essay, let alone the same sentence.



Lyrics: 10/10

Delivery: 10/10

Beats: 10/10

Replay Value: 10/10



Overall: 10/10





Favorite Tracks:



Ebony Mozart

The Maestro Zone

V.I.P.'s Only

Hittin The Schoolgirls

Conductin' Thangs

Private Symphony

Nothin At All"