Like the album itself, the review for this album took
forever and ever to get done. Regardless, the bottom
line is that with the assistance of both local and nationally
known producers that mesh seamlessly with his style
(and he has tons of it), Blak has dropped on us what
is unquestionably one of the strongest underground LPs
of the year. Now I'm not just talkin' bout the Illadelph
but the whole big ass globe.
Already recognized as one of the game's more accomplished
lyrycists, he 's in the envious position of having his
pick of the litter when it comes to the music makers.
Local heavyweights Jay-Ski (Peace) and SAT ONE
(Diamonds) join icons from the other side of
the US with DJ Revolution breakin' Blak off with a turbo-hyped
intro that set the tone for the album and the refreshing
rhymes on Tables Turn.
While solid throughout... make that more like bangin'
throughout, my personal faves are the head noddin' realness
of Friends, the warm mesmerizing groove of Crazy,
the radio friendly and P-Smoova produced ode to the
young bucks simply titled The Youth and outta
control tongue twistin, booty bobbin' funk flow of the
boastful Firewater.
Effortlessly running the gammit from West Phil street
hustler to hurting son to protector of the next generation
to gutter mouthed sexual conquester a la Kool G Rap,
Baby Blak uses his time in the limelight to showcase
his versatility, talent and realness like it ain't no
thang. Problem is that he's too real for the industry
and plays by his own rules, so while he'll never move
a gazillion units, he continuously blesses the streets
with enough Philly Phunk to pay the bills and see the
rest of the world.
*** Am I the only one who wants to know who's oily
butt graces the cover ?!?
