You might not know the name, but you already know the voice: for years, Rahzel has been the secret weapon in one of hip-hop's best-equipped arsenals, the multitalented band The Roots. As their human beatbox, Rahzel gives t... more »he band an unmatched level of flexibility, and on his solo debut, that's exactly what he demonstrates. Alternating between studio tracks and live cuts, Rahzel shows his vocal dexterity as a frontman (the kickin' "All I Know," produced by Pete Rock), a backer ("Southern Girl," "Night Riders"), and all by his lonesome. Though some of the guests make worthwhile contributions, most serve simply to distract the listener from the main attraction, who's at his best when performing solo in front of a crowd--check out the jaw-dropping cover of "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F With" and the one-man Mortal Kombat duel. Ultimately, the self-proclaimed Godfather of Noyze leaves you wanting for only one thing: more. --Randy Silver« less
You might not know the name, but you already know the voice: for years, Rahzel has been the secret weapon in one of hip-hop's best-equipped arsenals, the multitalented band The Roots. As their human beatbox, Rahzel gives the band an unmatched level of flexibility, and on his solo debut, that's exactly what he demonstrates. Alternating between studio tracks and live cuts, Rahzel shows his vocal dexterity as a frontman (the kickin' "All I Know," produced by Pete Rock), a backer ("Southern Girl," "Night Riders"), and all by his lonesome. Though some of the guests make worthwhile contributions, most serve simply to distract the listener from the main attraction, who's at his best when performing solo in front of a crowd--check out the jaw-dropping cover of "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F With" and the one-man Mortal Kombat duel. Ultimately, the self-proclaimed Godfather of Noyze leaves you wanting for only one thing: more. --Randy Silver
"I just saw Rahzel perform two nights ago in Cleveland, and then went out and bought the album. As unbelievable Rahzel is on the CD, his act is twice as fantastic live. And I can safely say that since recording the live tracks and interludes from MTM:2000, Rahzel has gotten better. He performed "If Your Mother Only Knew" and "Wu Tang", and the album simply can not touch the live performance. Don't let that stop you from buying the CD however, it is still the single most amazing piece of beatboxing ever laid on wax/silicon."
That's HIS name
David Sampson | 08/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I bought the MTM:2000 I didn't know anything 'bout Rahzel. I can say that I bought this CD 'cause the "Wu-tang Live" sounded really impressive. But later, as more I played it, as more I liked it. I haven't seen that CD for about two months till now , 'cause all my friends want to listen to the MTM:2000 too. I'm also thankful to Rahzel for a record that helped Bravo Crew (my b-boying crew from Lithuania) win first place in Lithuanian breakdance championship. The human beatbox stuff is so amazing, that it's being played in all our parties... Respect to all the hip-hop nation.Peace from Lithuania..."
Awesome, just not the best
Chris Peters (cgp1@mindspring.com) | Monrovia, California | 10/12/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When I got this CD after 2-1/2 months of waiting I was so excited. For the most part it lived up to my expectations. "Man vs. Machine", " All I Know", and " If Your Mother Only Knew" are some of the best trax I've ever heard, but "Carbon Copy", "Suga Sista" and others fall into the generic hip-hop that is ruining today's music. Overall it is worth it, but he needs to put out a CD where he just goes wild. Until then, I won't be fully satisfied. I BUST ANY MIKE THAT YOU HAND TO ME!!!"
A good album, not great
Chris Peters (cgp1@mindspring.com) | 08/24/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Rahzel is certainly a talented individual. But this record only hints at the stuff he is capable of. The traditional rap songs aren't particularly unique or interesting, and there is far too little of Rahzel's incredible noize-making abilities. Why is this? I don't know, but it would have made for a better album overall. I think you will listen to this a few times and then put it away, which is too bad considering Rahzel's talents."