Grand Puba - Reel to Reel (15 tracks) +Album Reviews

Rhymes Light as Air from a Lyrical Terrorist

whander@ix.netcom.com | New York, NY USA | 09/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is odd hearing Puba's rhymes now some 15 or so years since we used to stage battles in the New Rochelle HS (Now Rule Son!) lunchrooms on Friday nights ("M A X W E double L, ... who can't spell call me Grand Puba Maxwell!") Well, gone are the days of the Tre Bag MC's and rhymin over the analog 6 button beat box, but Puba manages to catch the frenetic, sometimes threatening flashes of virtuosity that defined NY street hip hop in the early 1980's (long live the Cold Crush 4). On Reel to Reel (they might have considered naming it Real to Reel by the way) Puba represents a variety of true MC styles with his signature wit and verbal dexterity. The brother's rhymes must be heard to be believed. Ironic thing about Puba is that though he clearly has touched on some eastern knowlege (5 Percent Nation), he is still not above dropping some old banging beats on the table, off the head, freestyle rhymes - check out Proper Education with Red Alert for some of this classic material. A common thread to his overall lyrical approach to this album is that most of his verses, even on the more structured cuts, retain that freestyle imrovisational flow. On the other hand, Puba is fully capable of identifying the injustice and treachery that is still afflicting most urban black communities today and conveying it with eloquence and polish -- Soul Controller has some of the deepest lyrics on the album. Yet, throughout this recording, Puba's personality and distinctive style prevades. He seems to posses an inner metronome that allows him to play on or with the beat as he kicks his lyrics. On this solo follow up to the underground bomb - One for All (Brand Nubian), Puba is at his lyrical and imaginative heights. This is one of the finest hip hop albums you will ever find - stictly East Coast material here. I am proud to have known this man when he developed this style as a teenager - he has become a true asset to the landscape of black musical virtuosity."

The Big Kids Don't Play

supastar | brooklyn | 06/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"na na na, Grand Puba is one of the most underrated rhymers ever, his melodies and styles that can go from ragga to r&b and slow to lightning speed, talking bout hittin skins or droppin knowledge with a confidence and relaxed flow that just lay on you all day, this is a great cd, as good as the first Brand Nubian cd, if not better. Big Kids, Honey Dont Front, 360 degrees are among the great tracks that make up this great cd."

Excellent

supastar | 12/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD. It has a very low-key style and excellent lyrics. It reminds me of early De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest (my favorite), and Jungle Brothers. I'm amazed that no one has ever written a review of this album. This is definitely a must have if you are a fan of one of the previously mentioned groups."

Fun, light album from an underappreciated MC

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 12/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After Brand Nubian's breakup following their classic debut album "One for All," the obvious star of the group Grand Puba decided to go in a very different direction as a solo artist and released his debut "Reel to Reel." In sharp contrast to "One for All," which was a very socially relevant record, "Reel to Reel" is a light and entertaining record that's all about Puba having fun on the mic. One could even call it a party album, it is consistently happy and upbeat. If I were to compare his style on this album to any MC, I might say Slick Rick to give you an idea this album. Lyrically, he uses a lot of funny punchlines and metaphors that will actually make you laugh, and he uses battle-style raps a lot of the time. The rest of the time he has a very laidback style, except for the handful of tracks where he does kick knowledge in the socially conscious side. He has a great flow and sometimes shows a little bit of reggae influence in his raps too. Puba is a really great MC, and he is backed here by the DJ and producer from "One for All," DJ Alamo. Alamo is awesome on the mixing boards, and his tracks combine great sampling with good bass and heavy horn instrumentation to make a funky, jazzy style that was on the top of early 90s underground. "Reel to Reel" is pretty unknown compared to a lot of the other fairly similar works of the early 90s east coast hip hop, but it's a well executed entertaining album that combines great beats with a truly special MC.

"Check tha Resume" has boastful, braggadagio rhymes over a standard Alamo beat, it's a good start to the album. The single "360 Degrees (What Goes Around)" is a standout, with a really nice beat that has a funky bassline, it's Puba at his lyrical best. "That's How We Move It," is upbeat and happy sounding, just a head-nodding party kind of track. "Check It Out" uses a soulful vocal sample for a good production and Puba just entertains on this one. I think my favorite song is "Big Kids Don't Play," it has a really awesome beat with a slowed down drum-and-bass line and a droopy instrumental, Puba kicks humorous philosophy and sounds a little conversational. "Honey Don't Front" continues the list of great tracks in the beginning, Puba talks to a woman in a funny manner over a good beat. "Lickshot," "Ya Know How It Goes," and the title track are full of punchlines and dense funky beats. "Soul Controller" is the first track where he shows his social consciousness, he confronts politics and social matters in a lighter manner than Brand Nubian did. "Proper Education" continues the relevance, and it has a lot of pro-black lines that will make you think over a reggae-styled track, I really like this song. "Back It Up" is another strictly fun track with a good piano-laced beat, and Puba sings cleverly on "Baby What's Your Name?" The album ends with a nice "360 Degrees" remix and "Who Makes the Loot," an ultra-funky collaboration with The Brand New Heavies.

While I wouldn't call it a classic, "Reel to Reel" is a really great album that showcases awesome beats and an supremely talented rapper. This is one of Grand Puba's greatest musical triumphs and a joy to listen to, he always entertains with this album. Brand Nubian fans looking for more of "One for All" won't find it here, but fans of jazzy, fun early 90s New York rap will enjoy this album a ton. They really don't make rap albums like this anymore. I highly recommend it, this album never received its due attention and is a perfect piece for any hip hop collection."

Brand Nubian member holds it down solo

HipHopFanatic | New Jersey | 10/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Grand Puba is an MC known for his clever wordplay and funky delivery. He was a founding member of the groups Masters of Ceremony and Brand Nubian. Reel to Reel, his debut solo album is a classic. He shows that he can hold down an album all by himself and stay true to the Islamic/afrocentric thematics he displayed in his group efforts. Fans of Slick Rick, Biggie and 90s hip hop should pick up this release. Production is from Puba himself, the Stimulated Dummies and Kid Capri, among others, with guest appearances from Kid Capri and Mary J. Blige."

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