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Whenever I'm faced with the task of reviewing a member
of my own staff's material I know I'm dealing with a
double edged sword. Do I penalize the artist for contributing
to the site by turning my back on their releases and
not giving them the exposure they deserve (or in some
cases don't). No, I do as I do with any other submission
and sink deeply into the music with no concern for outside
relationships. I've trashed releases by members of my
own staff and given great reviews to artists who I personally
strongly dislike. So with that long winded justification
slash explanation lets delve into Arkitexture
from Face The Arkitek.
Arkitexture is a strong effort from a multi talented
brother with a personality and style all his own. In
addition to holding down the of COO at Illadelph Entertainment's
BaltimoreHipHop.com
subsidiary, he's already established a well respected
reputation as a turntablist and accomplished battle
emcee known to travel up and down the East Coast in
search of any competition he can find. Now he's decided
to add recording artist to his lengthy resume. If anyone
is prepared for what it takes to be a successful solo
artist Face is the man for the job.
The album is chock full of strong songs, led by the
radio friendly, introspective, jazzed out ode to fallen
friend Hiram Holcomb entitled Live
So Hard. The song follows a silky smooth groove
and is instantly infectious with not only the way Face's
syncopation matches the emotional arrangement but from
the major league vocals Aaron Aaron provides in the
hooks. Strong, strong song that I'm sure has Hiram noddin'
his head up there with a big ass proud grin on his face.
Now while face can go the radio friendly route the rawness
needed to throw out mixtape must inclusions is evident
in Face's repertoire. He takes it straight gritty and
grimy on the Wu Tang like soundscape When I Bust
and the thick head noddin' bugged out bass of Quiet
Emotion where he teams up with Black Classik to
deliver the goods in a strange intersection of power
and fluidity. That's strange in a bangin' way y'all.
Off in yet another direction is the call and response
piece of dance party pleasantry Wreck. This is
the type of song you'd expect from a man with countless
hours behind the wheels oftoo many clubs to mention.
It's the track! It's the music!. It's upbeat, makes
you feel good and makes you wanna dance. On the same
vibe is a reworked, updated version of the Philly classic
Ugly People Be Quiet from DJ Cash Money and Marvelous
that he calls Face Off. While it doesn't live
up to the explosive energy of the original it's an interesting
ode to the old school nonetheless. Aight, one more and
I'm done for real but I gotta share my love for the
cut Right
Mind with y'all before I bounce. It's one of
those smooth songs you play over and over as you ride
on a slow summer creep up the block or late night in
the crib as the perfect complement to a candle lit incense
filled atmosphere. Black Classik and Daddy Green team
with Face and effortlessly ride it out with smooth deliveries,
strong voices and soulful lyricism.
What more can I say. It's evident that I'm impressed
with Arkitexture. I'm confident you won't be asking
for your money back after adding Face's latest to your
collection. I strongly and sincerely recommend anyone
reading this to purchase the album. Nuff said?
Check out Face
The Arkitek's Website
Are you feelin' "Arkitexture or not?
Vote
in our online poll right here
Review by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
May, 2003
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