Here are some facts of All in a Day’s Work: it was created, recorded, and produced in 1 day, it didn’t go through the whole 60-90 day process and will be distributed digitally, and lastly, it was Henny and smoke fueled (according to our interview with Statik). While the whole world waits for Saigon to drop The Greatest Story Never Told, the album that seems like it will never drop, the former Entourage guest star decided to crank out an album’s worth of lyrics in 24 hours. Saigon’s LP may never drop, but hip hop fans are hard pressed to find something that doesn’t have Statik Selektah’s name on it. He’s all over the place and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Together, they decided to drop All in a Day’s Work, combining the rugged, street anthem voice of Sai with the freshly distinct production of Statik.
The blend of Sai’s grit and Statik’s soul really make the album something unique. Look to ballads like “Lose Her” and “Lady Sings the Blues” to be greatly impressed. Even though Sai goes out of his element, he flows effortlessly on the smooth production and beautiful sample usage from SS. Especially on the latter, Sai spits with a fast melancholic flow while employing frustration: “60 percent niggaz spittin’ is inconsistent/ the other 40 came with the grain but they went against it/ tryna get rich in an instant/ niggaz did songs with the R&B bitchez and even Kirk Franklin Christian/ but niggas diss the resisted/ he quit trickin’ the system/ his image diminished along with his whips and his wisdoms.” Saigon doesn’t need that epic Just Blaze orchestrated beat to explode like this. He impresses similarly on another slower Statik piece, “The Reason.”
Because the album is drastically short (30 minutes), there is little room for error. Unfortunately, joints like “Prepare For War” and “Goodbye” are forced and incomplete. Additionally, “So Cruel” and “Spit” contribute to the surprisingly boring tone of the disc. The usually engaging Statik Selektah production takes a backseat to the even more un-engaging emceeing of Saigon. Statik, who has crafted three near perfect productions, including last years gem, Grey Hairs [read review], delivers his most uninspiring performance on the boards. Their chemistry is undeniable, which only enforces the fact that a carefully crafted and developed album could lead to something quite stellar. But, this is not.
Even with the context of the album ignored, the album isn’t gripping and lacks replay value. However, because of the album’s length, one can go through two listens in an hour; it could possibly grab the listener and strike a chord. All in a Day’s Work does act as frustrating foreplay to the highly awaited Saigon LP, and it also shows the high bar Statik has set for himself. Even though they both didn’t meet their potential with this joint, listeners can obviously expect great things from both in the near future.
66/100
Standout Tracks:
“To Be Told”
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“The Reason”
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“Lady Sings the Blues”
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
This review was spot on. I was highly disapointed with this album. Although I did not get this album because of Static Selectah, I got it being a big fan of Saigon. I went into this knowing two things. 1: That it is possible to do and album in one day and 2: If your dope at what you do it’ll come out dope and if your not than it wont come out dope. With that being said the dissapointment came because Saigon is Dope and Static has some dope beats from time to time even though he is just a copy cat of DJ Premier’s formula, but he just didn’t give this dude heat that’s been given to his other artists. Now it could be that Saigon just didn’t pick good tracks or maybe Static should keep testing his a&r ears on his own artists. Not sure but either way instead of making a big deal to prove that this feat could be done in 24 hours, I would have gladly waited for the album that was done in a week apose to a day.
Yeah, it was tight but it wasn’t amazing. A few of the joints blew my mind but like you said Deez a few fell short too.
I agree, the album is not what was expected. To me, though SS’s beats could have been better, the fault lay with Sai; he is the MC.
“even though he is just a copy cat of DJ Premier’s formula”…Wow, I hear what you are saying, but I wouldn’t have used the words copy cat. That’s like saying he’s bitting Primo’s style which I don’t think he is.
For once, I agree with you Deez. I’m a huge Statik Selektah fan, and although the beats were good, I felt kinda bored throughout the whole album. I bought it and will continue to play it, but it was a huge let down to me. The album’s still good, but it jsut didn’t blow me away.
Damn, I thought “So Cruel” was the best joint.
the So Cruel chorus lost the track marks haevily
Okay, maybe i was a little harsh saying dude copied dj premier’s style. So I’ll reword it for anyone includeing SS if they were offended. His style is heavily influenced by DJ Premier and in being so, bares a very heavily familiar sound associated with the legendary producer.
damn!
I thought Sai was on point with the lyrics. SS production is becoming a bit repetitive listening to this and More Grey Hairs. With all of the negatives regarding this album….its WAY better than that CNN joint. Its worth the $8.99.
Ay Deez “My Crew” joint – wat sample was used? Also “Lady Sings The Blues” ???
I see i’m in the miniority, but So Cruel is one of my fav joints as well. Only joint i wasn’t feeling was the bonus cut. I would rank it in the 80’s. I listened to it like 4 or 5 tmes straight
Not in the minority….I like it. SS production is becoming repetitive to me, but its a good/easy listen. WAY better than that CNN.
I don’t even think it’s comparable to the CNN
I like Statik, so I definitely peeped it. I’m not sure why it would be compared to the CNN since they’re so different. But I’d rather buy the CNN
Sean Deez “Im I getting thru to you?”
huh?
oh, the sample usage
hmmmm
I’m comparing the CNN and Sai/SS joint because they were released on the same day….and to me the Sai/SS is the better buy…the better album.
CNN was a dsiappointed and I’m a big fan of them. The beats weren’t up to par and that Saigon was very ill
i thought the album wasn’t half bad. beats were ehh, but i though overall, saigon was dope. definitely better than channel 10
It’s a nice album. Not more, not less. I expected more as well. But let’s be real, they produced it in a very short time. I’m still a huge Statik Selektah Fan. I don’t think he is copying Primos style. Some Tracks sound like Premier tough (Prepare for War), so what. It’s just great Music no matter who produced it. I still waiting for that Termanology & SS Album… i think it the name will be 1982 or something. Are there any information about that?
If you don’t have this…….go and get. It’s just under 35 Mins and is playable throughout. I still want greatest story never told.
Take back my SS being repetitive…beats knock.