Yeah, it’s been a minute since I’ve done a music review. I get so much music in my email from cats wanting to be heard. I can’t blame ‘em; get your hustle on. I just wish I had the time to listen to everyone’s joints. But, when SoulKlap sent me a link to his new album, Soul-Xploitation, I knew this was gonna be something special. After hearing SoulKlap’s American Gangster remixes, I had a feeling we would soon be hearing more from this talented producer. But damn, ya boy can spit too!

Coming up in a time where it seems like you have to have a gimmick to be accepted into this rap game, SoulKlap delivers a solid album with no gimmicks what-so-ever. No gimmicks, just great music. The album kicks off with a militant intro, introducing SoulKlap to the world. Describing Soul-Xploitation and his style to his listeners, the intro prepares you for a musical journey. The first track off the album, “Little Dreamer”, has you nodding your head and wondering why you have not heard this song on the radio yet. Sampling Supertramp’s “Dreamer”, you can instantly tell that SoulKlap has an appreciation for all types of music. Musical diversity is an important key to delivering a classic hip hop beat. The track, “Procrastination”, is another example of this. SoulKlap puts down a laid back beat over a Roy Ayers’ sample. And his storytelling technique is on point too. SoulKlap doesn’t front by rapping about partying in the club or gettin’ shot nine time. Instead he tells it how it is… he’s just an average college kid, growing up in Ohio, checkin’ his MySpace, and making his beats. That’s about as real as you can get.

The album doesn’t quit and we’re only five tracks in. “When The Music Takes Over” is one of those tracks where you’re like, “damn, where’d he get that from?” The music definitely took over with this track! This song can’t be explained in words, you just have to hear the music to appreciate it. Slowing things down, SoulKlap samples the great Al Green for “Nights and Weekends”. A lot of people have sampled Al Green, but few can sample him well. SoulKlap definitely steps up and delivers a solid soul beat. Over the next few songs, the album stays on a soulful track. Then SoulKlap hits us with his patriotic “Blind Faith”. I honestly didn’t think he had these lyrics in him. Speaking on the perspective of an American soldier, SoulKlap delivers his view of our war in Iraq.

If “Blind Faith” was too much for you, SoulKlap brings the soul back with one of my favorite tracks on the album, “The Girl Inside”. This track is just so smooth, it embodies the true essence of soul. It’s like SoulKlap took elements from some of his greatest influences (Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli) and fused them into one great track. Simply amazing.

Soul-Xploitation contains 15 tracks from SoulKlap; 15 tracks that keep you moving until you reach the end and play it over again. I hate comparing new artists to other, more familiar artists. But just to give you a feeling of this album, imagine an unsigned Kanye West. Imagine an underground, rough copy of The College Dropout, before Kanye was discovered. Then imagine having that in your hands and listening to it before the rest of the world. SoulKlap is the next coming.

Notable tracks: “Little Dreamer”, “The Girl Inside”, “Procrastination” , “So Good”

• Download Soul-Xlpoitation for free
  
• SoulKlap’s Blogspot
  
• SoulKlap’s MySpace Page

Little Dreamer

The Girl Inside

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