Sure, our most recent interview with Blaq Poet [read] may very well be one of our worst interviews of all time. Perhaps it was with good reason though. Poet didn’t say much, possibly for the fact that he really says all that he needs to say, alongside some dude name DJ Premier (who speaks with his production), on his most recent release, Tha Blaqprint. The album doesn’t try to be fancy, doesn’t try to over-think anything, and doesn’t try to preach. If anything, it endorses the essence of boom-bap-hip-hop. With Blaq Poet on the microphone spitting raw, gritty, NY style throwback rhymes and DJ Premier doing what he does best, Tha Blaqprint has all the key ingredients to keep any true-school and new-school listeners coming back for more.
On the album’s opener, “I-Gititin,” Premier creates a mirage of flavour for Poet to rhyme violently on, albeit, not as hard as the title may suggest, but, it still will satisfy the taste buds for any anxious listener. The only single (thus far), “Ain’t Nothin’ Changed,” is typical Preem. More impressively is how Po matches the pace and the bounce of the beat effortlessly, showing the true power and chemistry of these two NY vets. Other previously heard tracks such as “Hood Crazy” and “Voices” are still as impressive as they were on first listen. “Voices” is especially impressive, as it marks one of Premier’s most haunting beats, matched with impeccable timing and coordinating content from Poet speaking as if he’s hearing voices from some of hip hop’s most recognizable personas.
Noreaga is always welcome on a Premier cut, and he does well on his brief cameo on “Hate.” But, the switch from N.O.R.E to Poet is drastic and not as fluid as the Lil’ Fame feature on the more active and fruitful “Rap Addiction.” More questionable calls are heard on “Stretch Marks and Cigarette Burns,” which not only encompasses a very uninterested production piece, but also brings a remarkably boring club story to the table. It’s slightly cheesy and while it’s pretty “gutter” in content, it’s pretty crumby in caliber. At first glance “Sichuwayshunz” has potential to be great, but it isn’t. It’s a little too assuming and dumbed-down, pretty much serving up any imagination available towards the tedious story on a platter for the listener to pick at.
Given an artist like Poet, one who is great in his area of “raw hip hop,” one has to expect limitations on an entire project. However, it’s when songs like “Don’t Give A Fucc” are in full effect that the album truly shines. Give us 12 songs of this on Tha Blaqprint and the whole perspective and outcome of this album changes for the better.
Even while trying to keep it simple, Poet seems to have over-thought his blueprint of Tha Blaqprint, when, at the end of the day, the formula was always there. When there’s a master at the helm (DJ Premier), it can undoubtedly be hard to finish the perfectly set ball, but sometimes the sets are inaccurate. Preemo did miss a few times on this project, so did Poet. With that said, Tha Blaqprint is an album with loads of great mechanics and chemistry in it, and when all the pieces of the puzzle fit, it works so well, it’s scary.
77/100
“Don’t Give A Fucc”
“Voices”
“Never Goodbye”
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Voices is my shit!
Not a big fan of this album. Premo did a solid job and Poet is alright on the mic but he’s just never been that compelling of an emcee to me. There’s some really dope tracks (Voices, Ain’t Nuthin Changed) but the album as a whole has little replay value for me personally.
Yo, that voices is no joke…I don’t really know about Blaq Poet…might have to check him. Love the aggression though!
Deez, great review as always this was some straight up boom-bap ish for the soul. Now wen will you do the Slaughterhouse album the justice of a dope review???
good stuff guys.
yeah, this was an interesting album to review. IT was never really “there”
I’ve never heard any of these song’s until I bought the album. I got this on the strength of Premier’s name and liking some of Poet’s past rhymes. From my understanding some of these songs on the album are at least 3 years old. So if I was a die hard Premier/Poet fan I would be a little disappointed that fresh material wasn’t released.
Premier provides some dope back drops, but none really have that “sharpness” that Preem’s tracks normally do. Also, Poet’s subject matter isn’t anything special.
With all that said….if you like that boom bap, punch you in the face music…that hardcore….this is it. This reminds me of Double Barrel only that Torae is better on the mic.
Anyhoo….I rocked this for 2 weeks straight once I got it.
something about this album…wouldn’t rate it any higher than y’all did but i still listen to it on a regular basis.