Tag: Common

audio review : Cabin In The Sky ( album ) … De La Soul

audio review : Cabin In The Sky ( album ) ... De La Soul

The overarching theme of this album has to do with Dave’s death. His absence is acknowledged from the opening roll call. Hearing him rap on the same virtual tribute project as if he’s still a living member of De La Soul makes for an awkward listening experience, especially when the inferior demo-like quality of his verse (Package) suggests obvious posthumous shenanigans.

Not that there aren’t hints of the good old days. Prince Paul; the only producer they ever need; is sadly missing in action, but Will Be is nostalgic fun while it lasts. Patty Cake, led by a gorgeous organ loop, could’ve been a lot sweeter with a better chorus. Perhaps the same can be said for Truth; a throwback to when the rappers were more playful with their vocal delivery.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

audio review : Cruel Summer

audio review : Cruel Summer

The hooks on the first two songs are annoying. R Kelly, for one, sounds silly stretching the word “world” out to so many syllables. Neither is as bad as on a song called Higher though, which is practically unbearable. There is “GOOD” music here, but most of it is confined to the actual music. The instrumental beats, even without Kanye West at the helm, thump with artistic flair.

The raps are neither here nor there; there aren’t really any stand-out MCs in Kanye’s clique; though feature verses from Ghostface Killah and Jadakiss serve as pleasant surprises. Song highlights include Don’t Like, an updated version of the Chief Keef song, which isn’t at all appropriate as the ending to an album that represents a record label he’s not signed to, Sin City and The One.

my rating : 3 of 5

2012