Search - Fatlip :: The Loneliest Punk [CD/DVD Combo]

Not a blast a from the past

Basixxx | Miami, Fl | 06/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's true, don't expect a pharcyde album. This is a new and grown man Fatlip. He detailed some of his struggles while on hiatus. I thought it would be wack but upon 1st listen I was impressed. His flows are fluid, lyrics are strong with content, the beats are dope and the album flows well.....what more can you ask for out of a Hip Hop record? You previous reviewers should know better than to write these poor reviews considering the garbage state Rap is in now....You know this album is better than most albums out these days........So save it."

One of the most honest hip-hop records in years...

Jacob Burns | Standish, ME USA | 12/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fatlip has been in the game for a minute now; as a member of the seminal California hip-hop group The Pharcyde, he helped create numerous classic songs, including the bouncy "Soul Flower", the heartbreaking "Otha Fish", the jazzy "Runnin'", and "Passin' Me By", an absolute hip-hop classic. Unfortunately, due to a falling out Fatlip was ejected from The Pharcyde in the mid-nineties and left to his own devices. As The Pharcyde proceeded to fade into hip-hop obscurity (not helped by the mediocre concept album "Humboldt Beginnings"), 'Lip disappeared altogether, only to resurface in 2000 with the 12" "What's Up Fatlip?" b/w "Goldmine". Now, in 2005, he drops his 10-year-overdue solo debut, tentatively titled "TheLoneliest Punk".



All I can say about this album is...wow. Beats (great), flow (intensely original), and lyrical dexterity ('Lip was always the nicest in The Pharcyde) aside, this is one of the most honest hip-hop albums released in years, never mind 2005. Staying true to his heart and form, 'Lip never delves into pointless sexploitation or violence, choosing instead to follow the original Pharcyde blueprint of humourous and witty self-deprecation. On the afore-mentioned "What's Up Fatlip?" (which, oddly enough, is included on this album despite being released five years ago) he proclaims "I make myself sick / get on my own nerves / insecure, immature / grown-up nerd..."



But that's Fatlip for you. Never pretending to me more than he really is, which is an MC down on his luck, kids to feed, living with his mom. This is pretty much the subject matter for the rest of the album, which, rather than getting depressing and repetitive, ends up being enjoyable and at times ridiculously dope. The rest of the production is handled by Edy Crahp, Mark the 45 King, Mike Floss, and even J-Sw!ft, the Pharcyde's producer. Standout tracks are "Today's Your Day" featuring Chali 2NA of Jurassic 5, "Dreams", "Writer's Block", and of course, "What's Up Fatlip?"



In conclusion, this album is well worth your money. Even though Fatlip never seems to find a solid flow (at times his drooling, stuttering flow ends up sounding like Ol' Dirty Bastard)and there is some filler material (i.e., the Golden Age posse cut "Freaky Pumps" featuring Volume 10, Shock G, and Humpty Hump) and way too many skits, those are worthy sacrifices when your consider the honesty and soul put into this record. It may not be one of the best of 2005, but is certainly better than anything studio that the Pharcyde has put out in the last decade. I, for one, am glad that Fatlip never chose to grow up, even when the rest of The Pharcyde did. Go buy this NOW.



(PS - Also pick up The Pharcyde's double-disc "Sold My Soul (The Remix and Rarity Collection)", just released last month. It's worth it just to hear the beautiful "Brixton Flavour" remix of "Passin' Me By".)"

The wait is over...

Mr. Aaron H. Levine | tallahassee, florida United States | 01/30/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"and i am thoroughly confused. where is the farmer man? fatlip has changed his voice and delivery, and because of this he sounds like the late ol dirty too much and his old down to earth self too little. the raspy/angry timbre evaporates any chance of the lyrics coming off as "fun" or "light-hearted", and exists on every track. 2na from j5 felt inspired to mention chronic and bowl hits seperately in his one verse, but it fits well with the silly get paid choruses, the humorless, profanity laden skits(which aren't seperate tracks, so you have to hear them), and unimpresive beats at best. i will always love the pharcyde, their first two albums are masterpieces, their video docu "cydeways" will be burned into my brain for all time, and i even bought the obscure tre solo album. that was pretty good. this is lame, even compared to music coming out in the mainstream. i guess that is what this is, a traditionally underground artist trying to get some source or vibe props. obviously some people like it."