DJ Premier rambling heartfelt, intelligent thoughts as an intro? Blaow. Your album is pretty much automatically certified to have a certain true school aesthetic, auto-tune be damned. Anyone who’s been listening to rap long enough should instinctively travel that path of rhythmic thinking. Torae? Marco Polo? Double Barrel? What caliber of music are you aiming at me? And how much (positive or negative) permanent damage will it have will it have on my head? *puts on headphones*… *CLICK* (a.k.a. ‘play’)…
Shot one is the title track, where DJ Revolution appears, and continues to slice apart vinyl like a motherf*cking psychotic Shogun Assassin, humbly remaining one of the most slept-on turntablists on earth. Dicing vocal samples by Method Man, M.O.P., Onyx between Torae’s hardcore street hop proclamations equals nothing less than that classic boom-bap standard rap music. If you want it, here it is, just like the FIRST Christopher Martin that Jay-Z should be calling told you suckers it would be. If you want that fluffy Kid Cudi shit, go to the moon, where Premier told you to go to live. Planet Hip Hop is built on bone-bruising beats and knuckle-scuffing rhymes, like this album delivers thoroughly.
Clean, crisp, and sinister 4-bar loops with multi-layered keys, rich and robust basslines and the occasional creative countermelody provide the foundation of these fourteen tracks, each one of them a worthy graduate of the school of Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Diamond D and Large Professor. Marco Polo sure done good for a quiet cat from Richmond Hill, Toronto, Ontario.
And the Rakim to his Eric B., newcomer Torae, definitely steps into the MC arena with his fists swinging. But honestly, a bit more time in the gym wouldn’t have hurt, especially for a relatively anticipated event like this. Duck Down Records still deserves much credit and great respect for investing this much time and energy into the next generation of hip hop artists. Although he’s not rewriting the book of quotable lyricism on Double Barrel, what Torae lacks in cunning wit, he compensates with his confident presence and a stable, rhythmic cadence that some people will find perfectly satisfactory.
His hardcore east coast steez is crystallized and carved to its sharpest peak on the cinematic gunshot “Coney Island”. If the album captured more colorful cold world criminology like this, instead of the shadowboxing wack MCs material that it primarily consists of, it would shoot much deeper into the collective hip hop head.
Evidence of the validity of this constructive criticism is exposed before the album clip is empty. His word association games on “Word Play” attempt to dispel the assumption of his conceptual limitations, but it woefully doesn’t convince. Numerous lyrical faux pas make regrettable appearances here, and the most critical bitter cynics in modern hip hop might pick this apart for fodder in their daily hate regurgitations.
And now for something completely different: the following, is Africans-in-Babylon existence on record: “nigga, I’m a native New Yorker/ Coney Island made me the greatest of authors, the greatest shit talkers/… y’all niggas gassed by ‘The Warriors’/ well, there ain’t no Cyrus here/ niggas do crime, ain’t no sirens there/ niggas do time and don’t nobody care/ how we gonna cry? That’s a known sign of fear…” It’s damn near depressing how he chooses to end the blistering banger, but it’s as real is life is. “Coney Island” is, as the kids say, dat piff. (Oh yeah, they stopped saying that when Dipset started decomposing. Shit is still ill.)
He also throws this out there elsewhere on the album: “news folks say blame the recession/ but I say blame BET, no question/ ballin’ ass videos will have a nigga stressin’/ then they got ‘American Gangster’ giving ‘em lessons how to do it…” Extrapolating on that thought would have brought some interesting and insightful results, but he doesn’t. Those are the most hardcore songs of all: the truth. Torae needs to share the truth as he sees it more often.
I digress. Frankly, the double-edged sword of going with an early 90’s template for your album in 2009 is: dually reinforcing the culture’s (crumbling?) core, while simultaneously suffering from the effect of the law of diminishing returns. I mean, it’s great to hear a Lil’ Fame and Rock guest appearance on a beat not consciously calculated to beg for perpetual radio/videoplay (“Smoke), but how much different is the track than many others in their collective catalogues? A little more risk wouldn’t hurt the affair, but it’s nothing to hate on to anyone who will listen.
And when Guilty Simpson says “come get it/ habitual track killer/ spazz on beats and smack up rap niggas”, you believe him way more than you doubt him. Even more than Torae, what he’s missing in wit, he’s over-delivering in “I’ll whip yo’ ass for talkin’ dumb shit”-ness. His Detroit pedigree represents lovely, though, his verse on “Stomp” being one of the highlights of the album.
“But Wait” is fun for those who have been listening to rap since Jam Master Jay introduced the atakuvdabaldhedz on us, but… there’s a certain je ne sais quoi missing from the total impact you might anticipate from a jam centered on a classic Sticky Fingaz sample. They could have made this song more of an anthem with a more focused approach.
Speaking of, Masta Ace can waver between being inspired and going through the motions in the same verse, and will still impress and please the ear. He’s got at least one necessary album left in him, and I hope it comes kinda soon. And alongside Sean Price on “Hold Up?” Damn. Whatever P does next will possibly be his best work to date, as well as some of the best rap NYC will offer this year. Can I gamble that much on Kimbo Price? I will. But this guy jumped the gun, saying “the pistol is chrome/ the handle: pearl gray/ when I pop Kings I kill ‘em, I’m James Earl Ray”. Damn, homie. What would Obama say?
In the grand scheme of things: conceptually and ultimately, not much new ground is broken here. But alternately, and equally importantly, they carry on certain hip hop traditions faithfully, yet in their own signature way, (which has a necessary place in these crazy, Soulja Boy/stanky-legg-tainted times, word to GURU). When the year is done, this will essentially be thought of at as one of the more satisfying offerings of east coast rap music in 2009. Then of course, some people will say the same thing about Wale’s debut. Different nose, different coke, I guess. Whatever blows your mind.
I know some heads will feel absolutely assassinated by awesomeness listening to this album. Me? Guess I’m Tyler Durden.
“I got a bridge out in Brooklyn to sell to you/ cause you’re cool with being bamboozled…”
More hollow-tip shots like that next time, Torae. Load that into the cannons Marco Polo is blasting his boom-bap beat bombs out of and you might hit the bull’s-eye.
72/100
“Coney Island”
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“Crashing Down”
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“Double Barrel”
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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
don’t agree.
This is one of the best albums to come out this year… definitely will be in my top 10.
Since you mentioned Masta Ace, he just shot the video for the first single of his album with Edo.G yesterday. The album is done and being mixed right now. Look for it around august!
Oh yeah, I love the album by the way! I wrote a review on wydu.
Been in rotation since the leak hit the net and I was finally able to get it from Best Buy. 13 tracks in all and once you hit the end, you want more. If you like hard in your face music this is it.
Def, one of my fav’s so far this year.
When did authentic street corner boom bap go outta style??….Please!! This album knocks. I needed this…got these other new dudes making straight garbage polluting the airwaves with that “tryin to be cute bullsh*t”.Ex: Asher Roth,Kid Cudi,even Wale jumped on some bullsh*t damn near pop beats(yeah I said it..and?) Gimme boom bap and raw lyricism any day.Torae and Polo did the damn thing on this… Peace Kev.
this album is so dope..i also agree with this been one of the best albums out so far this year..straight heat
this album is sick. the beats are bangin and torae ist just crazy on the mic. also on my top 10 list for ‘09! no need to skip a track!
One of my favorites this year.
this shit is dope… but it’s not making history in 2009.
I got no problem with boom-bap hip hop… but they don’t push many boundaries on this project. I kinda wanted to give it a higher score, but Torae’s rhymes could have been a bit better… they ain’t Kid Cudi level, but they ain’t Royce 5′9″ level either
THANKS TO DJ SOULCLAP FOR THE MASTA ACE UPDATE! THAT’S GREAT NEWS
peace to Duck Down Records. Drop that Buckshot and KRS-One album soon!!!
I love everyone who loves hip hop,
Mindbender
This is my favorite album so far this year. I love the fact that its on producer working with an artist for a whole album. Im not looking for history makers I wanna listen to dope ass hiphop and this fills the void left byt todays mainstream scene. My only complaint was the intro to the album, I know its a co-sign from one of the best producer/mcs but I think we couldve done with out it, and the last track starts off kinda ho hum for me but is pretty deep after a full listen. This album has been getting steady play since I picked it up on Tuesday.
DJ not MC
i think from the outset tho tor and marco mader it clear they wasnt gonna deviate from the formula u kno? its was supposed to be in your face and it delivers exactly what it set out to do. i understand the want to diversify the portfolio a lil but they went in to this KNOWING they wasn’t….it was gonna be exactly what it was…and tor aint a new comer man….ran wit da dips for a lil then was wit the coalesence crew and went solo…put a couple of mixtapes between those timeframes…and bar for bar gotta disagree man….theres alotta otha sides to da dude he aint really showcase as much on this joint cause that wasnt the point u kno? it was hardcore…and like thomas said if that’s what you looking for then you go it…dope album….good review tho addi…real detailed
This album right here is official! Threw this sh*t in the cd player and got a flashback of a tape deck! Some ol’ Smooth Da Hustla meets M.O.P meets early Onyx head nod make you wanna get rowdy and snatch a chain type music. In this era/error of goofy ass dance steps and snap yo finger like the gay movie critics from In Living Color production, this album here is so necessary to nullify all that bullsh*it!! This is the 1st album in a minute that made me remember what was so special about hip hop back in the days.
When starting or in this case adding on to my catalog of work I look to embark upon different journeys each time. For Double Barrel I wasn’t looking to beat you over the head bar after bar after bar. On some projects I’ll do that. This was set out to be hardcore, boom bap, mood music. It’s not watered down, its not fluff, it’s not filler. It’s just in your face in your ear drum music. These types of beats don’t need that type of execution they need intensity to match their intensity and energy to match their energy. Thanks for checking the album though Addi. Give it a few more listens maybe you’ll learn to understand it and respect it for what it was set out to be….
- Tor (I read every blog, every article printed)
Great album.
90/100. top 5 of 2009. no question. thanks for reviewing.
respect to being able to take constructive criticism properly, Torae. A lotta MCs can’t. I didn’t disrespect it at all. I gave my opinion, and balanced it well, I feel. Like I said “I know some heads will feel absolutely assassinated by awesomeness listening to this album,” and those people have posted right above here. I didn’t say I didn’t like it, I just said the pros and cons of going with 90’s boom-bap blueprint. I said it’s needed (cause it is), but also, there’s a price to pay.
Same with me and my crazy ass space raps. Some people love it, some can’t stand it. Gotta respect both sides.
Torae, like I said, I know you got it in you. I hear it. “Coney Island” is MY SHIT. I’ma memorize that shit, and most rap nowadays isn’t worth listening to twice. Knowing you went to match the beats moreso than write up the fiercest album of quotables will make me check for your next project more eagerly.
Thanks for not losing your minds disagreeing with me, people.
Maturity is the 11th element of hip hop, but a large majority of people don’t act like they know that, LOL.
keep it true.
love,
Mindbender
p.s. I’ll probably see you when you come to Toronto in August with Smif n Wessun and Buckshot, Torae. Tear it up, homie!
I actually agree with this review totally. The score might’ve been a little harsh, but I mean, Torae really deteriorates and limits the album to where it could succeed
to be honest, I should have given it a 75.
and in fact… I believe most people are scrolling right down to the score and commenting.
which is unfortunate because Addi actually gives the album loads of praise… where it falters, it falters… Torae ain’t that damn nice…
It didnt really bother reading the review since I made my own judegement on the album after a few listens.
I HAVE A LOVE/HATE THING WHEN IT COMES TO ALBUM REVIEWS. THEY’RE GREAT BECAUSE IT GIVES YOU INSIGHT AS TO WHAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC’S OPINION MIGHT BE. THEY’RE NOT SO GREAT BECAUSE IT KIND OF TAINTS YOUR PERCEPTION OF WHAT THE ALBUM MIGHT BE AND YOU ALREADY HAVE A PARTIALLY FORMED OPINION BEFORE YOU EVEN LISTEN TO THE FIRST BAR OF THE FIRST RHYME. MAN I LOVE HIP-HOP. FROM THE DIRTY, GRIMEY BOOM BAP, TO THE SPACEY EMO SHIT, TO THE DAMN NEAR POP SHIT(SOMETIMES). AIN’T NO NEED TO GET TECHNICAL WITH THIS SHIT. THE WAY I WAS BROUGHT UP WE JUST DROPPED THE NEEDLE ON THE FUCKIN’ RECORD AND LET THE MUSIC SPEAK FOR ITSELF.
ha ha ha ha ha… honestly, I pretty much feel the same way too, homie.
I mean, I often get PAID for my album reviews, and I tell people (especially about movies) “man, FUCK what the critics and the reviews say! Make up your own mind!” Cause I’ve seen tons of movies that I love and think are awesome, and the “educated critics” and the masses hated on them. Albums too, of course. And especially particular rappers. Most people don’t like Saafir the Saucy Nomad. Me? I would eat shit-covered babies to see him perform songs from his debut album, LOL!
Critics who act like know-it-all haters are the WORST thing on the internet. I’m not saying I don’t know my hip hop, LOL… but yeah. My review is just one man’s thoughts. Which is why I put in the detail I do, cause I love it… but really, I also try to often say “THIS kind of person will enjoy it, and THAT kind of person won’t”, if it applies. Cause I can see bigger than just my own opinion.
I knew that some heads would LOVE some ol’ 2009 east coast boom-bap shit. of course.
I can’t hate on that. Even if it’s not blowing my head off with ‘Stankonia’-like innovation.
real recognize real, no matter what.
peace to everyone here
love your music
Mindbender
I duno.. as a writer, I only can appreciate a critic’s perspective even more, especially when it comes to movies… Not because I will only do what critics told me to do, but more times than not, I’d go and watch a movie, come back and read (particular) critics and agree with them. You have to find your niche with the people you read.
Addi is a great writer who has definitely heard his fair share of hip hop in the last few years…
this is a fine review, and frankly, as I said, I totally agree with it. It’s not like this is joe smoochie coochie off the street. This is a well educated listener and fan… plays both ends of the field and is a great judge of sound and character.
I think the fact that the beats bang so hard on this, most listeners will jade away from any negativity about the album.
Sean Deez watch this FULLY and tell me I’m not nice http://tinyurl.com/car8g8 Then watch this http://tinyurl.com/lcj32p I start at 2:15 & tell me I’m not nice again. Then listen to “Click”, then listen to “Lyrics is back” & “Merchant of Dreams”. I might not be your fav, or you might not like me but you can’t say I’m not nice…
- Tor
p.s. Addi I’m not afraid of some criticism. I knew going in some people would like it & some wouldn’t…
Interesting.
I have a feeling you won’t like my OKP review.
Aiyyo Deez I gotta agree with the brother Torae on this one. There are lyricists working nowadays who I’m feeling even more than him but I think he comes off on this whole album, and I wasn’t necessarily digging everything I heard before then (he’d been outshined on some joints by Skyzoo) so I wasn’t expecting greatness but he blew me away. Especially on “Word Play”, which is one of the ones my mellow my man Mindbender wasn’t feeling. In fact, there are so many joints that blew my brain on this record that I have trouble picking a favourite. There are 11 joints on this shit that I’ve been banging every single fuckin’ day since I first heard it. Out of what, 14? That’s sen-fuckin’-sational. The shit knocks. Point blank.
Lyrically speaking, do I feel Torae coulda brought it even harder? Yeah. But his work on this joint is straight up illy all the same. From what I’ve heard so far, there are certain things my favourite emcees do that he doesn’t do. He doesn’t kick street knowledge as smoothly as Raekwon or AZ, flip random weird flow styles like Freeway or E-40, bring the emotional weight like Scarface or Beanie Sigel, come with crazy-insane punchlines like Royce or Elzhi, or go crazy with bizarre fascinating ideas like Aesop Rock or Ghostface, which are all directions I might prefer to see a lyricist go in. But Torae doesn’t match any of those archetypes I just mentioned. He’s one of them old school hed bussaz like Freddie Foxxx or Blaq Poet, and he’s better at it than damn near anybody else out there. Guilty is one of the only dudes that can keep pace, and M.O.P and Heltah Skeltah on the cameo tip are a perfect match.
And besides, if he wants to do those things, to try to achieve something similar to what the motherfuckers I just mentioned have achieved, nothing’s to say he won’t be able to do it on later projects. There is room for improvement, but that’s only to suggest that I expect his next shit to be even better. I expect him to grow and improve over time, and I’ll be there to support him as long as that happens. Listening to this record I can hear the sound of a motherfucker who’s gonna be burning things in this rap shit for the next long time. And that’s something more than I can say for some of these skinny-jeans new jacks, no doubt.
Peace to Mindbender for talking it how he sees it and Torae for being a righteous motherfucker and taking criticism in stride. And co-sign brothermack about Saafir, “Light Sleeper” is one of the best rap songs of all time and Boxcar Sessions is a stone cold classic. Saafir is one of the most brilliant rap cats ever to do it. Straight up, no chaser.
This is a dope ass album, keep doin what your doin Torae!
easily in my top 5 albums so far in 09
@addi..SAAFIR “boxcar sessions” is a classic..he also kills “that bullsh**t” on CASUALS “feat itself”
gotta love Torae coming on here and responding, props Tor. Again I love this album, one of my favs of the year so far.
Def one of the best of this year. I thought it deserved at least an 80 but the score also seemed well thought out here and was also backed up so it’s all good.
We need more shit like this! As I said before I only skip the intro and this hasnt left the car stereo, I live 20 miles from work and I listened to Hold Up on repeat on the way home yesterday, this just makes me miss the mid 90’s era even more.
After listening to this album I was thinking that a collabo with Reef The Lost cauze from Philly would be dope, and I need to head out and find myself a physical copy of Daily Conversation.
This cd bangz out…money spent wisely..this is a mus’ cop cd of the year…
I copped this shit first day. Dude just speaks what he sees and his shit is relatable to everyday people.Dope album, dope beats, dope rhymes. Party Crashers is my shit!