Blazing Arrow [Bonus Track]

An enormous part of what makes this album such a knockout, is the sheer thick-blooded consistency of it -- combined with the diversity of the sound; the creative genious that stems from the chemistry between the two artists.

'Release,' standing at just over ten minutes long, features the stirring voice of former Rage Against The Machine front-man, Zach De La Rocha, along with renowned spoken word poet Saul Williams, and Quannum associate, Lyrics Born. This track -- arranged in three very seperate movements -- manages the difficult feat of being the most prominent "standout," on what is arguably one of the greatest albums of all time.

Elsewhere, 'Aural Pleasure' -- featuring the irrepressible vocal talents of Neo-Soul songstress, Jaguar Wright -- is a colourful ode to the beauty and the power of music. And we have an even greater treat, with the mythical Gil Scott-Heron appearing on the super-soulful cut 'First In Flight.' Other notable guest spots include Dilated Peoples' Rakaa Iriscience & DJ Babu on 'Passion,' Jurassic 5's Chali 2NA and Cut Chemist on '4000 Miles' and 'Chemical Calisthenics' respectively -- and Ben Harper on the cool 'Brain Washers'.

You will not hear many Hip-hop CDs better than this. This was, without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite album of the last five years. If you like music at all, then you WILL want this in your collection.

Likewise, one can only be amazed by the skills shown by the DJ of the group, Chief Xcel. His beats are always spot on. Although he did not produce every single track on the cd, he produced or co-produced all but one. And it shows. Most of the beats are quite melodic, and if you're in doubt that he's on level with Gift To Gab, then let me dement all rumours at once. He's amazing. No other word for it.

Now, the album itself, spans over 17 tracks, and lasting an amazing 74 minutes (well helped on the way with the track release which lasts approx. 10 minutes. The tracks are varied and it's quite certain that there's something for everyone. 4000 Miles provides an excellent quite rocking beat, whilst featuring Chali 2NA of Jurassic 5 and Lateef the truth Speaker. In the other end we have "Make you feel this way", a truly unbelievable track, in the more quiet and philosophical end. The only common denominator I could find for the album is the funky 70's inspired, yet always fresh beats. The album features an amazing list of guest star appearances, including but not limited to J5, Ben Harper, Saul Williams, Dilated Peoples and so many other.

Conclusion: If I haven't said it already, I'd like to say it now. This album is truly the one experience I'm not that likely to forget in let's say... the next 5 years? Only downside is the choruses which are a bit dodgy on one or two of the tracks. But they shouldn't really be the reason for you not to buy this album. It's one of those experiences which gets better with every listen. So. If you dig thoughtfull, but varied and fastflowing hiphop, this is the one album you should get this year.