When life gives you lemons, just listen to Atmosphere
It’s been a an exciting first quarter and I’d like to know what you’ve been digging so far.
Not much out there in terms of quality, but we’ve seen some decent rap releases.
Obviously, Atmosphere’s When Life Gives You Lemons… gets the vote for longest rap album title of the decade. It’s also the year’s best release so far, in my opinion. Lemons reminds me of Brother Ali’s Undisputable Truth, in the sense that Ali’s album also won my heart around the same time last year (Undisputable Truth dropped on April 10, 2007). Moreso, Ant and Ali share a distinct, preacher-like eloquence that always seems to enhance their ability to draw your attention and hold it for 45 minutes. Not to mention that Ant produced both albums. There’s a bit of contrast though. Whereas Truth was dark and broody, with “Take Me Home” offering the only true bit of elation, Lemons is brimming with Slug’s newfound optimism.
Other Favorites…
Estelle – Shine
eMC – The Show
AZ – Undeniable
Guilty Simpson – Ode to the Ghetto
Little Vic – Each Dawn I Die
Akrobatik – Absolute Value
J Live – Then What Happened?
Buckshot & 9th Wonder – The Formula
Bun B – II Trill
