Search - Planet Asia :: Medicine

Pressure is Tight

Riddlah 51 | Boston, MA | 10/10/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a long time Planet Asia fan and I gotta say this album seems like the pressure to appeal to the mainstream is finally getting to him. Though I gotta say his flow is unparalleled as usual. His beats lack depth and the organic feel they had pre-The Sickness(album),Which has more to do with the producer Evidence (of Dilated Peoples) than with the artist. However, he could have been more discriminating in choosing them. His lyrics are also progressively leaning more toward gangsta bravado, which I like to a certain extent as long as it's not compromising the quality of the music.

All that being said, go cop The Grand Opening, Still in training etc. to form an accurate opinion of this artist and his potential."

Overdosing.

Pablo | 02/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Planet Asia has been a foundation of the West Coast underground movement for years, and has been one of my favorite below-the-radar emcees based on his rhymes, and flow alone; however, PA hasn't really released the classic album I know he's capable of yet. Grand Opening suffered from poor production, as did the majority of his albums that followed; the Medicine is the exception. The production, handled almost exclusively by Evidence with some guest producer-spots, is the best soundscape Asia's had to work with in his career thus far.



Planet Asia is one of the most talented pure emcees in the game, yet he never really establishes himself as the God emcee that his talents show he's capable of. Part of that may have to do with his limited subject matter; Planet Asia is almost strictly street-tales, and braggodocious boasts. His entire approach is almost punchlines; and while PA is definitely a very flexible emcee, he never really pushes himself. In other words, it's rather hard to get connected with Asia; he isn't breaking any new ground. He's solid, yes, but no new concepts are being introduced in his work that are going to influence future emcees, and he's basically saying the same thing every other cat in the underground is spitting.



Still, hip-hop isn't always about being revolutionary; sometimes, you just want some of the same thing you've been hearing, as long as it's delivered in a satisfying manner. Planet Asia spits the same thing cats like Juelz Santana are at the moment, yet he does it in a manner that will make a fan out of you. The malevolent, and boastful subject matter is definitely familiar territory, but Asia manages to handle it with enough flair to keep you listening.



Asia could still benefit from a producer more suited to his flow(DJ Muggs, perhaps?), but Evidence does a more than substantial job in his role, and Planet Asia continues providing the heat. The Medicine won't blow your mind, but it certainly isn't a weak offering; let's just hope it's a sign of better things to come from Planet Asia."

Planet Asia - The Medicine

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 01/13/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Planet Asia's (A.K.A. Jason Green) latest album is "The Medicine" a sixteen track release which is produced primarily by Evidence of Dilated Peoples. The Alchmist, Nucleus and Bravo make some contributions as well. Guest appearances come from Phil Da Agony, Krondon, Black Thought, Jonell, Kubiq, Supa Supreme, Prodigy, Killa Ben, Auch Dixon, Shake Da Mayor, Turbin, Defari, Rasco, Evidence and Rakaa. My favourite track on this release is "Stick & Move" which has Planet Asia collabrating with Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Killa Ben for a thugged out and memorable cut. Those who play video games may also recognize this track from the video game "Saint's Row". While I am not that impressed by Evidence's overall production on this release, his work on that cut is definitely on point. "In Love With You" is a feel good love track, San Fresno's Planet Asia pays tribute to a beautiful lady while singer Jonell laces this joint with a smooth chorus. The album's lead single "Thick Ropes" is a mediocre effort, Evidence's lackluster production leaves much to be desired. The Root's lead rhymer Black Thought drops in for "Over Your Head". Both MC's verses are on point, the production is not. Planet Asia & Defari take their audience back to days and memories past on "Old Timer Thoughts". This album could have used a larger variety of production, I am not a fan of Evidence's production as a lot of it sounds the same. Occasionally he gets a hit here and there. Planet Asia's lyrics are decent but could also use improvement. I found this release to be similar to "The Grand Opening" a few hot track's to checkout."