Having released The Cause and Effect in 2006, Seattle emcee D. Black didn’t take leaps and bounds until his striking appearance on “God Like,” off of Jake One’s White Van Music. With the doors wide open, D. Black has returned to deliver Ali’Yah, a distinct conceptual album served up alongside a plate of passion and power.
A consistent trend on this album is the call for elevating oneself to a higher place, evident on the tracks “Yesterday,” and “Keep on Going.” Both motivational pieces, the former mandates a soulful vibe backed by powerful horns, handclaps and the delicate yet optimistic appearance by songstress, Marissa. “Keep on Going” carries the same concept over the smoothly produced Vitamin D beat, which also takes position on 50 Cent’s “London Girl.” The hard-hitting complexity behind the concept of Ali’Yah swoops over to the Jake One produced tracks “Wake Up” and “The Return.” The latter combines a stark baseline with an aggressive chorus to compliment D’s profound lines that speak of socio-political issues in society.
Although Ali’Yah relies on a strict formula to produce and deliver its tracks, the mould is hesitantly broken with tracks like “Sugar,” “I Believe,” and “Blow the Trump.” Void of any pop-R&B production, “Sugar” is a graceful testimony to the highs and lows hardship, whereas “I Believe” pays homage to Black’s own city of Seattle. In complete contrast, the highly political “Blow the Trump” offers a spectacular horn instrumental (again, Vitamin D) cut in with current news voiceovers, virtually outshines Black’s own delivery.
D. Black’s passion is booming throughout the album, but this passion is greatest on “Let It Go,” and “What I Do.” The latter renders a gospel-esque stance without preaching, but rather with a mediocre, yet assertive vocal delivery. The heavy drum laced track is backed by a set of organs and choir vocals, instrumentally stringing together common themes of the album. As the boisterous baseline of “Let It Go” channels that mafia-sound, Black finds himself exerting the most intricate delivery on the album. Whether it be the strength in his vocals itself or the power behind the metaphorically constructed lyrics, D. Black harmonizes with the beat, rather than against it bringing his vivacity full-circle.
Ali’Yah, which is Hebrew for “ascent,” is a project that shows maturity in growth, but also points out where more growth needs to happen. Although sharp with the tongue, D. Black lacks a consistency in the strength of his deliveries; however this flaw is often overshadowed by the strength and power of his lyrics. That same power is evoked effortlessly throughout the production of the album. Vitamin D, specifically, brings Ali’Yah to a sonic unity that commands attention. As a rather political album, D. Black brings forth a lot of issues that are striking out society – but doesn’t preach about them, rather it speaks about them. There’s a striking maturity this album puts forth, but is rather a blueprint than a finished product.
77/100
“The Return”
“Let It Go”
“Blow the Trump”
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a fantastic album!
The production on this album is top-notch. Jake One and Vitamin D killed it. “Keep On Going” beat is absolute fire.
nice review. ive been meaning to check this out.
The production is toppppppp notttttchhhh.