University Chronicle Extras:
Movies
|
Rate a Pic
|
Horoscopes
|
Career
|
Scholarships
|
Travel
|
GradZone
News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Sports
Diversions
World News
Classifieds
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Diversions
E&A display innovation
By Nick Hanson
Published:
Monday, March 29, 2004
Calling Eyedea and Abilities sophomore release "E&A" a rap album is a misleading label.
Hip-hop is a much more fitting description.
Buying E&A only to hear Eyedea rap will disappointingly result in one-half of the equation. After the first few tracks, your ears become accustomed to the fact that Abilities' presence is undeniable in the form of scratching, sampling and manipulating the turntables.
And like a true duo, they share the spotlight 50/50.
However, their unique DJ/emcee relationship just begins to scratch the surface of this uncharted hip-hop record.
Upon closer inspection, the veteran Minneapolis artists - situated on Rhymesayers Records alongside Atmosphere - reveal one of the most interesting and experimental hip-hop albums of all time. Yes, the album features self-depreciating lyrics popularized by Atmosphere and Brother Ali, but the overall sound and feel aren't comparable.
The albums' first single "Now," clearly presents their mentality towards the hip-hop culture.
"We're here to bring the people and the music and the movement all together now. We see through repetitive etiquette and the highly unoriginal," Eyedea raps. Later he claims, "Now, this is a necessary change."
Sure enough, Eyedea is making a change in rap. Whether or not it is necessary is debatable.
Perhaps Murphy Lee best illustrates Eyedea's approach to lyrical writing with his smash hit, "What tha hook gon' be?" However, unlike Lee, Eyedea really doesn't, "need no f-ing hook on this beat." In fact, none of the songs have a distinguishable hook.
Actually, the rhymes aren't even catchy. Singing along is a difficult task to say the least. Making out many of the raps is an arduous task because Eyedea's flows make Twista's rhymes seem to crawl by at a tortoise pace.
Eyedea bounces back and forth between deep, thought-provoking lyrics to the tired, "bay, hay, clay, play and May" standard.
"You're that one girl I went to high school with. Back then you treated me like sh-. You say if I give you a free CD you'll show me your t-, but you'll pay 10 buck for it like everyone else b-," he playfully rhymes in "Act Right."
The next minute he switches lanes to address something philosophical like evolution in "Man vs. Ape."
"Why is the human species evolving so slowly, genetically infant, violent and lonely. We think we are so smart but there is so much to know, cave man is still alive."
In the end, Eyedea can spit rhymes like no other. He proved it when he became the champion of the national freestyle blaze battle competition on HBO a few years ago, but that doesn't necessarily make for enjoyable sing along listening.
Like his partner, Abilities is like no other.
His beats are laced with soft piano keys, heavy bass, live drum and guitar. His sampling is what stands out the most, though. Every tune includes some type of sample from music and movies, to television.
Prior to Eyedea dropping a verse in "Two Men and a Lady," Abilities delves into relationships by releasing a barrage of various recognizable love samples.
Abilities also utilizes his ability to scratch. His best product is shown in "Reintroducing," when he spins Eyedea's voice to distort and repeat several times.
Together or separate, Eyedea and Abilities are standouts for their innovative hip-hop techniques.
From an artsy view, Eyedea is a great rapper and Abilities is an excellent DJ. From an MTV perspective, they are an acquired taste.
Forum:
No comments have been posted for this story.
Post a comment
