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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Keep on keeping on, 28 Sep 2007
Akala's first album was utterly brilliant with a relentless track listing. Freedom Lasso mixes it up a little more, with more slower tracks, some singing and some gentler themes (love being one). The album is incredibly strong and apart from a couple of miscues (such as the Siouxie Sioux sample), this is more great stuff from Ms Dynamite's kid brother. If I had to pick, I'd say "It's not a rumour" is a marginally better album than "Freedom Lasso" - but not by much. Both albums force you to listen to his lyrics, though. Welcome to the mind of a brilliant young artist, concerned with his environment and with the guts to speak out against the cliches.
Akala is without doubt the most honest and talented rapper in the UK right now. Sway and Kano are good, but Akala is better. In terms of self-awareness, his music reminds me of the daisy generation of hip hop - De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, Neneh Cherry etc. In terms of raw aggression, he reminds me of Public Enemy, NWA and Ice-T. (Thing is, listening back to PE & NWA now, the politics seems a little naive). He answers all my criticisms of hip hop and brings it back to the its birthplace. He keeps hip hop relevant.
Kanye West is concerned about conflict diamonds, but he still rocks plenty of bling. Akala doesn't learn about social issues from the latest Hollywood blockbuster - he's well read and knows his history.
However, this album is not limited to being "conscious" - it's also got great tunes. Akala's skills continue to progress - certainly far more versatile and fearless than Kano.
He should be more than an underground- or UK- phenomenon. He's so good, that I doubt he'll get the recognition he deserves. Be one in the know and get both Akala albums.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Freedom of Speech., 9 Sep 2007
Akala is a rap artist that isn't afraid to speak his mind, and here he shows just how he goes from strength to strength lyrically. Whether commenting on the nature of rap superstars keeping it real, his upbringing and life, or name-checking the works of Shakespeare, he proves a captivating performer. This release is a more mature and assured collection, and sees Akala go from rapping at the speed of light to breaking it down and even singing on some tracks. Not falling into the lazy trap of the glut of 'Guns and Girls' hip hop artists, he comes across as an intelligent and articulate alternative.
Musically many bases are covered, with creative use of samples and a variety of backings including piano, rock guitar and even violins. Beats range from scattershot hits, to more laid back grooves, but all the while delivering that satisfying punch.
Akala deserves continued success and an increased audience. As a voice for urban Britain he is in a class of his own, and the sheer enjoyment derived from listening to this album makes it one of the best of '07.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Akala - Freedom Lasso, UK Has Stood Up!, 17 Feb 2008
Akala, is by far, in my view, the best UK hip hop artist. His debut "It's Not A Rumour" was truly sublime. I rarely write reviews but this album is just sheer quality, i was condemned to write a review. There may only be 10 tracks, (11 if you count the iTunes bonus track, i'm gone) but don't let the shortness put you off purchasing this album, it truly would be your loss. The guy hasn't got nearly as much recognition as he deserves. The album's opener "Electo Livin" is just amazing. There are never any lows on this album, it's just high after high, quality from the moment you press play right through until the final track has finished playing. I have this CD on constant rotation, it has been out a while now and it is still on constant rotation. It isn't that hard to listen into, his words are easy to digest but yet he does touch upon many matters, it's a very intelligent album, from quite obviously a very intelligent and talented artist on top of his music game, it puts most US artists to shame. If you enjoyed his debut or are just contemplating buying something new, seriously consider a purcahse of Akala's second album "Freedom Lasso" you will not be left dissapointed.
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