Asian Princess Deserving Of Wider Recognition!
J. Lund | SoCal, USA | 10/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I got tipped off about Seattle-based Mion recently and, looking to hear some contemporary hip-hop with (hopefully) fresh production and (hopefully) conscious lyrics, I took a chance on CONSTRUCTIVE LYRICISM. Always feels good when the gamble of buying an unheard CD pays off, and it does in a big way here. Although the description here at Amazon alludes to Mion's Asian ethnicity, the music speaks in a universal language, certain to appeal to anyone looking for something a little different from the norm. Although she copies no one, I suppose if I had to name names to compare Mion to others ... a distant "relative" would be Aaliyah, but beyond her no one else immediately comes to mind.
While the lyrics do live up to the album's title, the fact that the constructiveness is also reflected in the music, the melodies, and the vocals is what leads to repeat plays in my CD player. The opening "Do You Want Me" kicks off the CD in an above-average manner, but I find beginning with track two ("Let's Be Friends") that Mion really starts breaking away from the pack, with lyrics reflecting her admirable sense of values (in this instance monogamy) while musically taking a fresh view of hip-hop with prominent Asian features. The latter is present to varying degrees throughout the rest of the album, and I find the incorporation of funk and other elements also keeps the album safely out of the generic zone. The absence of inane rap cliches ("uh-huh"'s and similiar interjections in-between every vocal phrase) is another plus (I'm not anti-rap, just anti-crap).
Since executive producer Mion credits Ruc with most of the production I'd better do that too. First and foremost, it is Mion's ability to assert a fresh musical vision and a positive lyrical approach into a genre too often sorely lacking in either that stands out. I don't know if there's a particular breakout track on CONSTRUCTIVE LYRICISM, but even if there isn't the album is consistently strong from beginning to end, and recommended to anyone open to hearing hip-hop-based music done with individuality, thought and feeling! Support independent artists, especially the likes of Mion!"
Mion does it REAL nice
_LEE_ | Seattle | 05/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"it's definately some hot RnB. To the likes of Ciara, and the late Aaliyah, but with a real personality behind the thick beats and slick vocals.
buy this!
Ruc"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1