Search - stic.man (of dead prez) :: Manhood

Stic has made the anecdote to the poison that floods the cur

A. Santana | 10/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On first listen I didn't like it so much, then I listened again and actually LISTENED. Stic is talking about some real issues...hard work, dedication, achieving your goals, love, life, reparations etc. It's honestly what I need to be hearing at this point in my life.



It's real talk in comparison to the misleading lyrics from some of the more mainstream rappers. I bought 2 copies of this album. One for myself and one for my best friend. I think we all need to hear this. I find myself reciting positive lyrics about working hard and perseverance in place of the catchy murderous crime related lyrics I'd been reciting before. Since I've gotten it,I listen to this album just about every morning to inspire myself for the rest of the day. Please support this brotha and his art. We need more inspirational music like this.



"Cant make no bread in the bed

can't get rich on the sofa

like a soldier i'm focused

I'm tryin to get it like Oprah"



"You either pimpin the system or getting pimped by the system

don't want no piece of the pie, we want control of the kitchen

gotta make this independent move on a mission to boss up

can't be no slippin or slackin sittin and waiting or shortcuts

gotta use that elbow grease, it ain't what you see on tv

don't think that cuz you work for yourself that it's gonna be easy

there's gonna be some bumps and bruises, many mistakes made but that's how we learn.

Ain't nothin free about being free, you get what you earn.

Focus on the big picture long term.

You gotta know what you want, it's a struggle but stand firm.

We might be starting small but that's alright, one day at a time

the pyramids wasn't built in a day - stay on your grind.""

Stic.man - Manhood

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 02/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stic.man (A.K.A. Clayton Gavin) delivered his debut solo album with "Manhood" (2007), an outstanding release. I have been looking forward to hearing a Stic solo album for a number of years now. Been a fan of Dead Prez music since I got their debut album "Lets Get Free" (2000). Stic.Man's partner in rhyme M-1 provided an impressive release with his debut solo album "Dead Prez Presents M-1: Confidential" (2006). I really enjoy the realness that these two MC's deliver in their unique quality music. Aside from being a MC, singer & songwriter, Stic.Man is also an activist and author of two books - "Warrior Names from Afrika" & "The Art of Emcee-ing". Another major strength in Stic.man's music is his singing ability which in my opinion is off the hook. When he let's it out on select tracks matched with substantial on point lyrics he delivers powerful music, whether it's those feel good joints, the ones that make you think or the ones you bump in the ride. Dead Prez likes to work with the Outlawz - Pac's brethren, when I listen to Dead Prez, whether on solo or together I feel like they are delivering the same quality reality rap music that Pac and others have over the years. Favorite feel good cut on this release is "Coming Home" - Stic.Man shines like the sun on this joint, putting himself in the place of an incarcerated inmate waiting to come home to his love. Stic.man provides an exceptional uplifting ode to beautiful black & brown women on "Black Girl Shine" - with lyrics like "don't be scared to love, don't be scared to cry, don't be scared to live, don't be scared to try, if you fall get up, wipe the tears in your eye, your my sister you somebody I care for a lot, gotta reach for the sky...". Can relate with Stic who appreciates some fine weather on "It's Nice Outside", bumping this track rain and shine hah. Stic.man addresses what true Manhood means on "That's What Men Do", talking about core principals, and the importance in taking responsibility, looking after our families and being ready to take on whatever challenges comes our way. "Ball Or Fall" is the album's biggest collaboration, a standout anthem of its own which features appearances from Malachi, M-1 & Outlawz members Stormey, E.D.I. & Young Noble. Everyone hold's their own on this memorable joint. Stic.Man gets some help from talented singer Crystal Johnson on solo for the early part of the jazzed out "Traffic Jam", dropping in midway with some inspirational lyrics. Stic puts another female singer Maimouna on solo on "Whatever Daddy Wants", and she holds it down well backed by some laidback production. Stic.man reminds his listeners about the importance of being "So Focused" in work and life, rhyming about his own dedication to create a better life. Stic stays on that vibe on the follow up track "Independent Hustler" Feat. Mykel, yet another highlight cut. The "Boss Up" interlude features some words from Mr. Sonshyne, the track title is also the name of Stic's independant label. A second similair version of "Traffic Jam" (Radio Mix) follows. Numerous silent interludes lead up to a hidden track in "Faithful Lover" an upbeat duet with Maimouna. I felt like this album grew on me a lot with more listens, the first two full length track's did not grab my attention, after that though, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of this album. Looking forward to the next Dead Prez album which should be dropping later this year, read they did a track with Nas. "Manhood" is a quality album which I highly recommend for the collection. Don't Sleep."