Post by Dark 7 Invader on Jun 3, 2005 7:21:48 GMT -5
ALBUM NOTES:
Release Date: 2002
MY REVIEWS:
Most of us by now would have heard Othorized F.A.M.'s "1st Amendment" album and the "Iron Fist Pillage" soundtrack. Those who have, instantly acknowledged the aptitude of the OTF MC's and gave respect to their producer, who wasn't so well known and seemingly worked in the shadows. Here then is the full length LP from this very producer - 1.4.0., 140 ("One-Forty") or just Shortre if you will.
"School Yard Funk Art" is the first of many such releases designed to exhibit the production flair of 140. To help him out, he has enlisted New Yorkers Othorized F.A.M., Lighter Shade, Franky Bottz and other acquaintances to adorn his instrumentals. But this is not really a mixtape despite my early preconceptions. Unlike DJ Klue, Funkmaster Flex or Kay Slay, 140 does not spoil the music by shouting gibberish above his artists. Simply put, he makes the beats, they do the rhymes.
The album begins with a short piano and percussion instrumental not too dissimilar to "Genesis" (see Prodigy's "H.N.I.C." album). Then we have a nice two minute freestyle from Q-Molly. "Everything U Need" is a love sonnet by Crunch Lo with some choral singing by a little known vocalist named Samantha. This track has a definite Godfather touch to it. "New York" is an Othorized F.A.M. reunion with their associates Clocka and Lighter Shade; and is an unhurried song heavy on piano inspirations.
Singer/rapper Lace is next up with "Game Over". Her youthful voice is evident on the chorus and she also has a niche when it comes to rhyming. She may not be on par with Lil' Kim or Foxy Brown, but "Game Over" is quite entrancing to say the least. But the entrancements don't quite end there. "We In The Realm" is an equally alluring solo cut from Lighter Shade (with Crunch Lo lending a hand on the hook). Then violins sound in "Let It Bang". Again this is a very diminutive natured track which allows Molly-Q, Franky Bottz and Lighter Shade to cough up their fine tuned literals easily.
Wigs' "Knee Deep In Some Ass" is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it track lasting just over a minute. But this a just a precursor to the next song also by Wigs called "Yesterday". Not surprisingly Wigs reflects on the good old days and yes, it does borrow a sample from The Beetles' song of the same name. "My Way" is a rap/heavy metal hybrid from Franky Bottz and Italy which may or may not appeal to complete hip hop purists. Fortunately, it's not so deep on the heavy metal side of things. The beat does switch between differing string pieces which gives the song an additional edge. Piano samples return on "Lock N Load" and like most tracks up until now, this one is deliberately minimal.
Thus far 140 has noticeably drawn a great deal of inspiration from piano and string instrumentals to conjure up some very nominal and emotive songs. "One On One" sees the beginning of a change in direction. Wigs and Crunch Lo rhyme nicely back and forth over a charged and cheerful beat which is outwardly different from "School Yard's" earlier cuts. The same can be said for "Life's Been Good To Me" which sounds like a rap homage to "Lean On Me". This is also a jovial song albeit with a very trying chorus.
Happiness pauses for "Revelations" which is a more saddening Sunz Of Man-type track dealing with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. "Hypnotized" is a house flavored arrangement which, although seems like a fish out of water, does serve to show diversity in 140's productions. Vocalist Lenore (who was also present on "Yesterday") graces this mostly 80's disco song. "New York Broadway" sounds similar to the Raekwon song "Friday" (see ""Immobilarity"). Only this time round Lighter Shade's subject matter is mockery where he likens the majority of current rap to a Broadway production.
The only familiarity on "School Yard Funk Art" is the previously leaked OTF track "Staten Islanders". This is clearly the most percussive and lively song to be found on this collection and will undoubtedly be a favorite. Rounding off this album is the "Outro Beat" which is a most rousing musical. It's two-tiered construction changes from forceful to elegant and deserves to have been longer. Finally the uncredited bonus track by Lighter Shade is a braggadocios offering similar to other songs sharing the common theme. But the Sicilian beat does add a unique touch to such a proverbial topic of choice.
All in all this is a very polished LP - independent yet quite professional in presentation. The songs are deliberately moody on this album. Most of them utilize string and piano musings to endow a more sedate feeling. No doubt future 140 releases will take a different stance. As for the performers, Othorized F.A.M. are their usual graceful selves - not too concerned with the macho bravados of modern day MC'ing and more focused on delivering good rhymes. Lighter Shade, Franky Bottz, Clocka, Cheesy Rat and Lace are also quite impeccable in their own rights.
Of course some tracks (such as "Hypnotized") may not be to everyone's liking. But the main function of "School Yard Funk Art" was to allow 140 to showcase some diversity, and I'd say he's done just that.
Rating: 7/10
Written by Wu-Blood Kin
Release Date: 2002
MY REVIEWS:
Most of us by now would have heard Othorized F.A.M.'s "1st Amendment" album and the "Iron Fist Pillage" soundtrack. Those who have, instantly acknowledged the aptitude of the OTF MC's and gave respect to their producer, who wasn't so well known and seemingly worked in the shadows. Here then is the full length LP from this very producer - 1.4.0., 140 ("One-Forty") or just Shortre if you will.
"School Yard Funk Art" is the first of many such releases designed to exhibit the production flair of 140. To help him out, he has enlisted New Yorkers Othorized F.A.M., Lighter Shade, Franky Bottz and other acquaintances to adorn his instrumentals. But this is not really a mixtape despite my early preconceptions. Unlike DJ Klue, Funkmaster Flex or Kay Slay, 140 does not spoil the music by shouting gibberish above his artists. Simply put, he makes the beats, they do the rhymes.
The album begins with a short piano and percussion instrumental not too dissimilar to "Genesis" (see Prodigy's "H.N.I.C." album). Then we have a nice two minute freestyle from Q-Molly. "Everything U Need" is a love sonnet by Crunch Lo with some choral singing by a little known vocalist named Samantha. This track has a definite Godfather touch to it. "New York" is an Othorized F.A.M. reunion with their associates Clocka and Lighter Shade; and is an unhurried song heavy on piano inspirations.
Singer/rapper Lace is next up with "Game Over". Her youthful voice is evident on the chorus and she also has a niche when it comes to rhyming. She may not be on par with Lil' Kim or Foxy Brown, but "Game Over" is quite entrancing to say the least. But the entrancements don't quite end there. "We In The Realm" is an equally alluring solo cut from Lighter Shade (with Crunch Lo lending a hand on the hook). Then violins sound in "Let It Bang". Again this is a very diminutive natured track which allows Molly-Q, Franky Bottz and Lighter Shade to cough up their fine tuned literals easily.
Wigs' "Knee Deep In Some Ass" is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it track lasting just over a minute. But this a just a precursor to the next song also by Wigs called "Yesterday". Not surprisingly Wigs reflects on the good old days and yes, it does borrow a sample from The Beetles' song of the same name. "My Way" is a rap/heavy metal hybrid from Franky Bottz and Italy which may or may not appeal to complete hip hop purists. Fortunately, it's not so deep on the heavy metal side of things. The beat does switch between differing string pieces which gives the song an additional edge. Piano samples return on "Lock N Load" and like most tracks up until now, this one is deliberately minimal.
Thus far 140 has noticeably drawn a great deal of inspiration from piano and string instrumentals to conjure up some very nominal and emotive songs. "One On One" sees the beginning of a change in direction. Wigs and Crunch Lo rhyme nicely back and forth over a charged and cheerful beat which is outwardly different from "School Yard's" earlier cuts. The same can be said for "Life's Been Good To Me" which sounds like a rap homage to "Lean On Me". This is also a jovial song albeit with a very trying chorus.
Happiness pauses for "Revelations" which is a more saddening Sunz Of Man-type track dealing with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. "Hypnotized" is a house flavored arrangement which, although seems like a fish out of water, does serve to show diversity in 140's productions. Vocalist Lenore (who was also present on "Yesterday") graces this mostly 80's disco song. "New York Broadway" sounds similar to the Raekwon song "Friday" (see ""Immobilarity"). Only this time round Lighter Shade's subject matter is mockery where he likens the majority of current rap to a Broadway production.
The only familiarity on "School Yard Funk Art" is the previously leaked OTF track "Staten Islanders". This is clearly the most percussive and lively song to be found on this collection and will undoubtedly be a favorite. Rounding off this album is the "Outro Beat" which is a most rousing musical. It's two-tiered construction changes from forceful to elegant and deserves to have been longer. Finally the uncredited bonus track by Lighter Shade is a braggadocios offering similar to other songs sharing the common theme. But the Sicilian beat does add a unique touch to such a proverbial topic of choice.
All in all this is a very polished LP - independent yet quite professional in presentation. The songs are deliberately moody on this album. Most of them utilize string and piano musings to endow a more sedate feeling. No doubt future 140 releases will take a different stance. As for the performers, Othorized F.A.M. are their usual graceful selves - not too concerned with the macho bravados of modern day MC'ing and more focused on delivering good rhymes. Lighter Shade, Franky Bottz, Clocka, Cheesy Rat and Lace are also quite impeccable in their own rights.
Of course some tracks (such as "Hypnotized") may not be to everyone's liking. But the main function of "School Yard Funk Art" was to allow 140 to showcase some diversity, and I'd say he's done just that.
Rating: 7/10
Written by Wu-Blood Kin