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2005
Tuesday, 22 November 2005
Fort Minor: The Rising Tied
Website: www.fortminor.com/
(Amazon)
My rating: 9/10
- The outstanding solo debut of Linkin Park's
multitalented Mike Shinoda, who not only rhymes, but produced all the
beats as well. The excellent "Remember the Name" puts a new spin
on the typical self-promotional hip-hop fare. "Where'd You Go,"
the first rap slow song I've ever heard, just blew me away.
"Kenji" gives the disc an Asian-American historical perspective that,
while somewhat forced, is still refreshing to hear on a mainstream
hip-hop track. Every song on this album has its own flavor and
style, and Shinoda's production (and Jay-Z's executive production)
really shines. Highly recommended.
Tuesday, 11 October
2005
Alicia Keys: Unplugged
Website: www.aliciakeys.com/
(Wikipedia)
August 2005
Foreign Exchange: Connected
Website:
(Amazon)
My rating: 9/10
- The product of a collaboration between North Carolinian
rapper Phonte and Dutch producer Nikolay — the two of whom never met
prior to the album's release — Connected is the most chill
hip-hop disc I've ever heard, and it's absolutely a pleasure to listen
to. Nikolay's production gives the tracks — highlighted by my
personal favorite, "Let's Move" — a Euro flavor that meshes perfectly
with Phonte's flows. While the transatlantic aspect may be
regarded as a gimmick, there's no arguing with the results.
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The listed dates are when I bought the respective
albums, which do not always correspond with the dates they were released.
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