Prepare yourself for a musical journey; a journey that will take you through hip hop, funk, soul, r&b, and pop; a journey that will take you through the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and into the future; and a journey that will introduce you to Nicolay & Kay. Familiarize yourselves with these two names now, because if this album receives the recognition it deserves, they will soon become a household name.
Nicolay, the Dutch producer who teamed up with Phonte of Little Brother back in 2004 for their critically acclaimed Foreign Exchange project, brings us a new adventure along with
Nicolay’s style is one that makes him stand out today in a world where hip hop is starving for musicianship. For instance, the opening intro is something that hip-hoppers may not expect initially. Built on a theme around the Isley Brothers’ “Shout”, the intro opens the album to all musical possibilities. The next song, “Blizzard”, is a funk track introducing Kay into the world. Nicolay does funk just as well as if it was 1977; like if Rick James were behind the boards and Earth Wind & Fire was playing backup. Segueing into “The Lights”, we are reintroduced to Nicolay’s signature sound. This track is very reminiscent of Nicolay’s Foreign Exchange material. I almost expected a guest spot from Phonte, but Kay does an excellent job of picking up the vibe and going with the flow.
Probably my favorite track on the album, “Through The Wind”, has that r&b pop appeal to it. Dig if you will a picture of Prince in 1986, singing backup and playing the instruments on this song. Nicolay captures that essence and brings it to us here in 2008. This song is definite single material and could easily cross the duo over into Top 40.
As the first half of the album comes to a close, the second half opens with the album’s first single “Tight Eyes”. This track brings us up-to-date to where we are today. As the first half of TIME:LINE was a look into the past, we are now presented with a glimpse of the future as each track from here to the end of the album gets more progressive and experimental. “As The Wheel Turns” continues on this vibe and could also be an excellent single choice. When we get to “The Gunshot”, we are reminded that Nicolay can dabble with all styles of music. This track takes elements of reggae and dancehall without distracting from the overall flow of the album. Closing out the album is “Dancing With The Stars”, which is probably the most experimental track on the whole album. The song does an excellent job of closing out Kay’s TIME:LINE theme as the samba beat is sort of a celebration of life.
Overall, this album was very well thought out and put together. As said before, we are presented with all forms of musical styles which showcase Nicolay’s diversity and willingness to delve outside the generic hip hop sound. TIME:LINE has something for everyone and I hope it gets the shine it deserves.
Although he is primarily known in the hip hop industry, Nicolay could easily produce tracks for all kinds of artists, sort of how Timbaland has done recently by working with acts like Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. I’m not saying that he should go that route, but with his musical expertise the possibilities are endless.
Notable Tracks: “Through The Wind”, “As The Wheel Turns”, “The Lights”, “Tight Eyes”
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13 Comments
this album is really especial, can’t find another word to define it. You just don’t find this kind of production in another hip hop album. It’s just amazing, beautiful!!!
yah… i heard this one too… its pretty sick…
good review…i need to write mine soon too!
but yeah this album really is ridiculously brilliant. i still can’t enough of the the ethereal horns on ‘what we live’. it really does feel like an extension of connected doesnt it?
Yeah, I totally agree, Jason. Send me your review when you get around to it. Believe it or not, I had a tough time gettin’ my thoughts on paper with this one.
been hearing a lot about these guys, and this album. however, it is your review that convinced me to go get it (which i haven’t done yet). thanks for another insightful review, Kevin!
Gunshot is my shit! I love that. The whole album is dope!
Wow, thanks Darrius. Glad I could turn someone onto great music!
BTW, I got my CD in the mail today… yeah! Nicolay was kind enough to send a signed poster and some other goodies with the CD!
Hey Kev, don’t know if my emails got through to u, but finally finished my time:line review lol
its on http://www.kanyelive.com/talk/index.php?topic=34795.msg491462;topicseen#new if u wanted to check it out
I think this album is a classic!
I hope it does well and gets the recognition it deserves.
Man, I’ve been sittin’ on this album for about month. Too long. On it.
I’m really glad you are reviewing Nicolays work.I got my first taste of him some years back, when he was working with a couple of groups from my hometown(Thyrd Day & Little Brother.They were trading music via internet from the U.S to Netherlands.Thats how they came up with the idea of Foreign Exchange.It was something special about Nicolays production,almost mystical,but well rounded material.Hey Kev,maybe you could do a interview with him.Actually, he has moved to the U.S and now resides and has a studio in Wilmington N.C. He has a very interesting story.
yo can anyone tell me why kay is so damn corny. i mean it’s like he’s trying to sound like jay (voice-wise) but diligently trying to sound as if he is a missing member of the supergroup MANNISH. LOL. this dude sucks grapes and is about as relevant to hip-hop as the price of gas to a newborn. kay is gay. gay is kay. nic lay kay. emofags 90’s hip-hop drag. give it up. lay lays nice soundscapes though.
another on point review, kevin
i remember when i first heard ‘Tight Eyes’ because i had it on repeat for about an hour or so. it’s just so chill. Nic & Kay have amazing chemistry together. it’s not the same chemistry he has with Phonte (one of the BEST producer/rapper chemistries in the game, hands down; Connected is probably my favorite hip hop album ever, moreso than the legendary classics yo, and that’s saying a lot), but it’s a dope chemistry. this album is a journey, and a great journey at that. Nicolay is one of my favorite producers dead or alive, and sonofab**** LORD HAVE MERCY with the instrumentation (ESPECIALLY the horns on What We Live!). one of the best releases of this year, imo. it’s not overbearing nor underwhelming; it’s goodness all around.