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[atlasrum]

Don’t Get Me Wrong: King’s Disease III Review

 Escobar Season is in full force on this new album. With this new album there is no stone left unturned. The Ghetto Reporter did just that. He spoke one every aspect of the hood with bring a full body mirror to the project stoops. 

 Hit-Boy has tapped into the potential that so many fans and media outlets have been begging from Nas for many years. This is a breathe of fresh air. With a multitude of flows and sharp delivery on each track. Legit starts off as proclamation and when the drums drop you hear the fun he seems to be having in the booth. The snares have Nas with a New York bop that his fans are unfamiliar with. He was not lying when he said “got off the block for this”. It sounds like he did. He came to the studio ready for every single song. 

 Thun showcases how Nas is the “last of a dyin’ pack of lions”. Verbal exercise of how his flow just matches perfectly with the beat. Never does he sound like he cannot match the energy of the track. This reinvigorated King of Hip Hop has been in hibernation for a while and only on the last three albums have you seen glimpses of this mastery. Even mentioning that some people thinks he picks bad beats, shows how much he keeps his ears to the streets. Has he had questionable production at times yes. To his credit, Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones has always crafted songs that were supported by the lyrics and those were needed. Here it just seems like this man has found his inspiration that has been preoccupied at times. 

 Reminisce, 30, Michale & Quincy, I’m on Fire, Once a Man, Twice a Child are all stand out tracks, Beef keeps inline with Nas’ storytelling ability. Get Light showcases his ability have a hood track that can be a party anthem, something that he has struggled with at times. This glove that Nas is wearing seems to be snug and a great fit. It is his shiny glove a la Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones who he compares his own run with Hit-Boy. 

 There is one blemish I will say is the first half of WTF SMH. He seems to try a bit on the trap beat but what saves it is the beat switch to lush sounds that bring Nas back into a comfort zone. Not to say he can’t rap on trap beats, it just didn’t seem to be the right fit for him. Maybe that was the purpose. 

To be honest, this release was perfectly planned for a fourth quarter. This is Nas’ chance to have a moment to showcase his true talent and reclaim his status as a Legend. People never questioned his ability, they questioned his production (Thank you Hit-Boy for finding a modern sound that can fit perfectly with God’s Son) and track list order. Here there really is nothing that can be questioned. 30 years in and he is still bringing heat. Still bring the next level, from a rap protege to Hip Hop elder statesman really brings his career full circle. This is the best album of the year and it really is not even close. 9.2/10

[atlasrum]

So I wrote a review. Feedback is appreciated. https://www.tumblr.com/atlasrum/704284423282130944/dont-get-me-wrong-review-of-herbert https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmch3ynOEkd9yV-ekBOT06Z-cEnWMa4j2_6OFU0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[atlasrum]

Don’t Get Me Wrong: Review of Herbert

 Herbert: This will be an honest opinion of the new album by Ab-Soul. 

 Herbert was very difficult to get through on the first listen. I will not sugar coat anything at all. It was not what I expected. To be honest, I did not know what to expect. Trying to go into an album without expectations is hard especially as someone like myself who roots for those in this arena. Having been gone for well over 5 years, the ideas stampeding through my mind were all over the place. 

 As in any profession, time off is needed to let the creative juices flow. It can be a good resolution or a situation that just adds more pressure. On my first listen, I was probably like most people. Unsure of how I wanted to hear the beats coming through my headphones. So like with every album that I delve into, I make sure the room is dimly lit, all electronics are off, and I set the mood with the album playing. 

 Message In a Bottle and No Report Card definitely set the tone for the rest of the album, yet I had my suspicions. I heard glimpses of real rap on the tracks, the delivery was point and the idea of crushing every beat seemed intact. I came in with full judgement just off the fact Hollandaise was included. So again on this first listen, I was judging before listening. You see, knowing that this song was released as a single awhile back tends to throw my mind off. I try my best to not listen to anything before an album drops unless it is a specific mixtape or it is a single that will not be included. I don’t want to be blinded by the idea of what this single sounds like in contrast to what the whole other album sounds like.  Does it really flow with the rest of the album, is it cohesive, is it disjointed, does it fit the picture or narrative that is important or even prevalent at the moment? I don’t have the answers to theses questions! (I had to Justin Hunte, TCM) To say the least, the first listen through was completely biased. So I had to run it back, a few times to be honest. It was not until my mind was completely clear that I was able to feel the depth of his words, feel the gravity in which he spoke. Or realize how beautiful Fallacy was after the fourth listen. Yes, Four listens, I am ashamed of myself. 

 I found myself upset at the beat selection and the idea that the album was full of punchlines. Don’t get me wrong, as a Social Worker I try to be reflective and understanding, as a Hip Hop Enthusiast and Bronx Native, I want to cut ass on the best of them and the most opportune time to do that is with a witty punchline. You either take a headshot or cut them down at the knees. Ab-Soul has a propensity for punchlines. Yet I was very sure that the album had too many of them and not too many well crafted songs. The beats just seemed to not match his tone my first run through. He seemed to be a science professor with a blackboard just filled with chalk that did not make sense to anyone else but himself. I was conflicted with what I wanted and what I needed. Then again after the second run through I could feel the tone and therapeutic nature permeate through the tracklist. This album was actually what I needed from Ab-Soul. 

 Once I noticed this observation, I had a few real standouts: Moonshooter, It Be Like That, Go Off, Goodman and Gotta Rap. I don’t what it is but something about a DJ Premier beat just gets my soul (no pun intended) every time. As I was getting my fill on the second through fourth listens, there was pain in his lyrics. Something that could resonate with his audience. It seemed almost therapeutic. Soul seemed to be finding his footing. Something that he had lost during the last 6 years. We mention that artist may fall off or that athletes lose a step. Well, Ab-Soul did not. It was hidden underneath pain and anguish. 

 Due to the trauma in which he faced, the death of Mac Miller and his own suicide attempt, Ab-Soul seems to be finally making music for himself and no one else. Soul isolated himself from the sounds and music around him in order to craft this album and it shows. Not trying to preach to others about conspiracy theories or teach about how the government is out to get everyone. No, this Soul is reflecting on the time away from the microphone. He is coming to grips with his losses. He is understanding his place as a person, first and foremost. The seminal outcast, he has found his place in Hip Hop. 

 Herbert really gives its listeners a glimpse into the artist. Not just his interest and hobbies but the proverbial glimpse through his lens (again, no pun intended). What you probably would have liked more was if he was a bit more descriptive and vulnerable because he does touch on the suicide attempt but it seems fleeting. He does mention the loss of loved ones but almost in a moment and you will miss it kind of fashion. In his track Do Better, Soul laments “I gotta do better, I gotta pick up the pieces and master the puzzle upon us.” Such a heavy burden placed on the shoulders of the self proclaimed God of Rap. Yet here is proving he’s got to rap. The necessity to get thoughts out in order to not be consumed by the despair that has brought his world to a halt. Weaving lyrics in order to piece together an interconnected web of thoughts. Soul shows his worth on this album. 

 Factions of industry heads and casual fans tend to stay on the fence every year critiquing this idea that the year before was a better year than the last. I am not immune from having these debates, especially with friends. It keeps people on their toes, to see if they actually heard something new and refreshing. Soul gives his listeners the chance to let their frustrations out as well. Fomf is the perfect anthem in a post pandemic world. Ab-Soul does not need your approval, this is a lyrical exercise for the many demons he is facing. Hip Hop has given him the space to rap his ass off and he shows time and time again that is what he is gonna do. 

 This album, Herbert, is a masterclass in homophones, which just so happens to be Ab-Soul’s specialty. He dabbles in and out of similes like a waiter dabbles in and out of a conversation. Just short enough to take the order and long enough to receive the check. Here, Ab-Soul receives the Mic Check.   7.8/10

[atlasrum]

Soul Don’t Die

At times I’ve made mistakes

Mishaps that changed the stakes

Took my world too far

Left everyone I loved with scars

Selfish, most will say

Something I see as clear as day

Some even listened intently

While others judged me indirectly

Incorrectly, but I still misrepresent me

Not knowing how to cope hurts the process

Of unlearning my past which I compress

Consequently in turn builds the stress

That then somehow slows the progress

So the opportunity to find success

Can’t be seen, but I digress

At one time Suicide (;) was the answer

End it all, because I am the cancer

Yet my behavior is based on anxiety and depression

And Logic wouldn’t suit this danger confession

So I had to stumble over and over and over and over again just to learn a lesson

However painful, A Soul never leaves

So I am here to plant seeds

So I can breathe and learn from these beautiful trees

My ancestors were right, A Soul never leaves

Routine helps me through the trauma

Pain is a result of drama (that I cause)! No longer looking to Pharma

Instead looking towards purpose, enlightenment, and Dharma.

[atlasrum]

To my brother Pino This is my favorite of us together. It captures us in the moment of being mischievous. You plotting and me breaking the fourth wall. Your wealth of knowledge is vast and no matter what, you will succeed. You have a plan just keep pushing toward it. I am here cheering you on. Enjoy your day and I am wishing you many more to come! Chapter 33 begins for you! (at New York City, N.Y.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcalLSOSg8z3Fe5kvOzOTJQHbkwO7nc1o8PP40/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

I have always prided myself on reading and learning as much as possible. This year I am being intentional with my reading. I want to read the most books I have ever read in one year. I have decided to challenge myself to read at least three books a month. If I can push myself to more, great but if not, I will be happy where I land. This will include books on race relations, history, intersectionality and the inner workings of social work. I’m all for growth and improving on where I have been and making the future a brighter place. My journey in social work will never be complete and neither will my hunger for knowledge. Thank you allowing me the space to grow and learn through reading. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZaw7mTufw-it11lIRkYB93zKkENIJr7_drRH40/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

Happy Birthday @fredtjoseph I’ve said it before I will say it again. You are an inspiration and I am honored to know you personally. Keep pushing the buttons of those oppressors and shine light on injustice everywhere.Enjoy your day King! Can’t wait for your 2nd book! I know we have at least one pic together, you probably have it for one of Kev’s birthdays 🤣🤣 https://www.instagram.com/p/CZPsaqlun50QrVb3TzofdU84vxlLPB_oXPW0KI0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

As an MSW, I have a responsibility to the community as well as society. I will not be silent. I am an advocate against all injustice. That means speaking out even when family members get unruly, disrespectful, and cross boundaries. There is no place for “ Oh you know how they are”, “They are always wild when they drink”, “Don’t speak about politics with them because it always goes left”. These comments are unacceptable. . . . I will not tolerate micro aggressions or micro insults of any kind, nor from anyone. I will be quick to speak up for those who do not know how to speak up for themselves yet. I will be a guide/ mentor to those who are in need and feel as though they need help to speak up. #FordhamUniversity #Advocacy #LatinX #MSW (at Harlem Baby !!!!) https://www.instagram.com/p/CY0ReqsjAMVK-VMKpXE9BUtM_N6AR_feDBSpyE0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

Interesting don’t you think? Variety of facial hair experiments #10YearChallenge https://www.instagram.com/p/CY0M-GNIfKyAJxCyDaXgSPyDyzpthmXP_EhA9c0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

“A brand new book cracklin' sound when you open, I'm writin' gems I make gospel in thе booth it might sound like I'm writin' hymns” https://www.instagram.com/p/CYeOTzWOOboXr_aUFql3O7gF2F0Ue6Ysufr98I0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

The Magnificent Sidney Poitier. Sleep well, Majestic King! 👑 💙💙 https://www.instagram.com/p/CYbwsKmOg7nBa2Tj6Owks__bydT8C8t74gPJnM0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

Just my thoughts. In my mind. Getting them out little by little. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYXSCjQOoeGxCpLEyyfWi1rWuMtuddpZn-N1Kc0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

“I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

[atlasrum]

[atlasrum]

Leaving this here for you all to address it. https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_SE-VJq23W_gF4UGpJxxE2Tkgt4Gl9rG5Hcs0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[atlasrum]

Feeling the Urge to put Pen to Paper Again.

I believe it is time to start writing again. Many years ago, I felt as though I was not good enough to continue this journey. I allowed others to view my work and discourage me. It had an adverse effect on my mental health. This broke me down and consumed me for several years. It has only been through my love for music and the way words form to create sounds that I have felt intrigued to continue down this path again.

[atlasrum]

On February 10, 2006. I arrived home from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I was excited, rushing home because I wanted to blast some music. I remember being in the mood to listen to Common. So I played Be and Like Water for Chocolate. At around 7pm I finally put on my tv and watched MTV when they had a news break. J Dilla had passed. They described it as complications from Lupus. I have family members who have lost their life due to this horrible disease and others still battling every day. I have watched it take their being, their entire essence. J Dilla was the first producer who made magic out of everything in his vicinity. I could not wait to hear. Dilla was the epitome of hard working. I always think back to that day. Rushing home to hear beats he worked on or artists he worked with. It would give me a sense of being in the same room as them. Playing his album Donuts helps me to revisit his work station. How he was able to incorporate different sounds and vocals on tracks and place them at unpredictable moments. He made everything fit even when it was not supposed to. Legend, Icon, Trailblazer.

RIP J Dilla