Post by docwatson on May 23, 2009 7:51:04 GMT -6
Kingston "In the City"
Christ Like Entertainment
Released: 2008
Review by: Don Tony
Committee Rating: 3.56 (of 5)
3.56 (of 5)
"In The City" is like an all-you-can-eat lyrical buffet. Pick any track, put the CD player on shuffle, whatever you land on will be serving up lyrics. This is pretty much a straight up hip-hop album with few commercial moments, but nevertheless, some pretty ambitious beats. Though quality is one area that caught my critical ear, the album has much to offer in that it is lyrically creative, and hosts some sick flows and features.
Although I usually favor the more commercial/pop styles, every now and then I get in the mood for some real, uncompromised hip hop lyrics. "In The City" scratches that itch while still keeping it musically interesting and actually not being overly theological (if there is such a thing--you tell me, is there?). "In The City" tries to say something in every track and largely succeeds in doing so. From witnessing and reaching out to hip hop fans to personal testimony to admonishing his secular counter-parts, Kingston effectively communicates his message with style.
Like I said, there are some pretty ambitious beats on this project. They don't necessarily cross over into the commercial/club -banger realm, but it's definitely not your typical boom-bap style that usually accompanies east-coast lyricists. "Run They Mouth" is a track that actually ventures into a very southern style. The track itself is bolstered by sick, Twista-style flows in the verses and the obligatory chopped and screwed hook.
The album has a mix-tape feel which makes it difficult to judge overall sound quality. Vocals on some tracks are better than others, therefore it's safe to say there is room for growth. Based on what I've heard, I don't doubt that Kingston is an artist that is growing every day. Hip hop fans won't be disappointed with this one in my opinion. The bread and butter here is flow and lyrics. Pump this one in your headphones and PAY ATTENTION!
Christ Like Entertainment
Released: 2008
Review by: Don Tony
Committee Rating: 3.56 (of 5)
3.56 (of 5)
"In The City" is like an all-you-can-eat lyrical buffet. Pick any track, put the CD player on shuffle, whatever you land on will be serving up lyrics. This is pretty much a straight up hip-hop album with few commercial moments, but nevertheless, some pretty ambitious beats. Though quality is one area that caught my critical ear, the album has much to offer in that it is lyrically creative, and hosts some sick flows and features.
Although I usually favor the more commercial/pop styles, every now and then I get in the mood for some real, uncompromised hip hop lyrics. "In The City" scratches that itch while still keeping it musically interesting and actually not being overly theological (if there is such a thing--you tell me, is there?). "In The City" tries to say something in every track and largely succeeds in doing so. From witnessing and reaching out to hip hop fans to personal testimony to admonishing his secular counter-parts, Kingston effectively communicates his message with style.
Like I said, there are some pretty ambitious beats on this project. They don't necessarily cross over into the commercial/club -banger realm, but it's definitely not your typical boom-bap style that usually accompanies east-coast lyricists. "Run They Mouth" is a track that actually ventures into a very southern style. The track itself is bolstered by sick, Twista-style flows in the verses and the obligatory chopped and screwed hook.
The album has a mix-tape feel which makes it difficult to judge overall sound quality. Vocals on some tracks are better than others, therefore it's safe to say there is room for growth. Based on what I've heard, I don't doubt that Kingston is an artist that is growing every day. Hip hop fans won't be disappointed with this one in my opinion. The bread and butter here is flow and lyrics. Pump this one in your headphones and PAY ATTENTION!