One inevitable factor that music lovers hear when a new artist comes out is the concept that they can easily be distinguished amongst their peers. However, most of us have seen this ideal prove to be false. With upcoming emcees running towards the latest fads like Snoop running to a blunt, we are left to wonder if novelty is dead. But every now and again, we are lucky enough to get one artist that manages to live up to the mystique of being one of a kind.
Baron Von Alias is that rare breed of artist that comes along and creates fads instead of following suit. Born in the early 1800’s, he was so ahead of his time, he blew into the present day armed with a pen, pad and his vision of what he would bring to Hip Hop before we knew it existed.
Although he had to travel from the past to be accepted, Baron’s debut album Timepiece sounds more like something from the future. With guest appearances from Guilty Simpson, Frank N Dank, Melanie Rutherford and T3 (Slum Village) and production from Steesh, Khrysis, Arhat and Dom P, this time traveler brings forth a project that seems to have good intentions but gets stuck between generations.
One consistency throughout Timepiece is Baron’s love for rigid, pulsating drums that sometimes can do without any lyrics, as they are strong enough to stand-alone. The aggressive production comes together with an array of instruments from organs to cymbals making the album solid production wise. Lyrically and delivery wise, Baron has a little more time traveling to do before he strikes gold.
“The Relaxation of A Stressed World” starts off melancholy with symphonic instrumentation that merges Baron’s account of a relaxed state of mind. Not soon after, it bursts though like a juggernaut but the lyrics and chorus never meet up with the production leaving the track uneven.
“Kids of Apocalypse” produced by Khrysis, sounds like a throwback to Rocafella in its prime. Although this track is dense, Baron sounds like he is battling yet struggling to ride the beat that steals the limelight from under his nose. “Don’t Cry For Me” has a theatrical energy that gives us a glimpse into the psyche of a man that is from the past yet comes off more futuristic than he might want to admit. “P.H.O.N.E.Y” has a high-octane momentum reminiscent of the Chicago Bears circa 1986 with Frank N Dank and Baron ripping through bars like vultures.
During his time travels, Baron must have been dropped off somewhere close to the motor city because his love for Michigan artists is very apparent. Melanie Rutherford and T3 (Slum Village) make an appearance on “Goodbye” which has the goods to make for a solid Hip Hop love song. “Here and Now” featuring Guilty Simpson and “Memoirs of the Baron” are two bangers that display Baron’s showmanship and why he has the goods to be a trendsetter.
Although his obsession with time can be a bit redundant, there is no doubt that Baron has potential. His lyrical selection is a bit fragile but not to the point where he needs to hang up the mic. He has great stories to share and his creativity are unparallel but he needs to figure out a way maintain his delivery and match up to his beat selections. Timepiece is worth the listen because it gives us insight into an artist that is on a path to greener pastures. Baron is just getting started so don’t be surprised if he travels back, collects his thoughts and reemerges as an even greater force to be reckoned with.
70/100
Standout Tracks:
“Memoirs of the Baron”
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“Here and Now” featuring Guilty Simpson
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“The Relaxation of a Stressed Out World”
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice review. I may have to at least check this out. Wasn’t really blown away by the above tracks…but I’m pretty sure there is something I will like on the album.
Baron’s an interesting cat… he’s got some nice stuff on here.
thanks kevin, i hope you like the album!
its great to have your support.
Im sure you will like the album thomas check it out an let me know what you think!
cheers.
click my name above for a link to the itunes page too.
i like the review, alot of truth and alot of good constructive criticism, id say to the neutral this would be a good all round listen, but obviously im biased…lol.
spread the word the baron has only just arrived an there is so much more to come, check the album out an see what you think.
http://www.itunes.com/baronvonalias