Wildchild, that veteran from Oxnard, California, shakes up the scene once again with his fifth album. Part of the legendary Lootpack along with DJ Romes and G.O.A.T. producer Madlib, this cat is grabbing his space to once again showcase what he's got. His earlier solo projects like ‘Secondary Protocol’ and ‘Jack of All Trades’ already put him on the map through Stones Throw Records and Fat Beats Records. Although later records such as ‘T.G.I.F. (Thank God It's Funky)’ and ‘Omowale’ were received with a bit less fanfare, with ‘Child of a Kingsman,’ Wildchild gives us plenty of reasons to hope that he approaches or even surpasses his peak of ‘Jack of All Trades’ again.
The opening track “A Kingsman's Flowers” invites you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as the concept of a ‘kingsman’ is dissected. Next we get “Season of Kingsmen,” where producer Nottz lays down a salty beat and Wildchild emphasizes his love of hip-hop. The jazz-like instrumental of “Change for My 2¢” gets you thinking with powerful social commentary. And when the synths kick in heavily on “Wing Chun,” you know he is and remains invincible.
“Multiverse” makes the funk pop again as if the boom bap will revive him as soon as his feet hit the floor. This is followed by “Bat Signal,” which shows that he is not going to be messed with. Nottz brings a sound on “Mr. Pinocchio & Positive People” that allows us to flashback to the times of the late J Dilla while discussing the fight against corrupt cops. “Freedom Riding” pays tribute to the heroic John Lewis.
Through “Black Man Blues,” the jazz influences pick up and we hear about the struggles of African-American existence, with glory days in danger of being stifled. The “Where the Poem Lady?” interlude gives us a breather, then MAYAH brings a delicious neo-soul vibe with “Kingsmen” and praises the four elements of hip-hop, including its oft-forgotten wisdom.
“My Utopia” paints a picture of what his ideal world would be like with a drumless guitar rhythm. After the “Brown Identity” interlude, we get “Welcome Home,” which officially closes the door on ‘Child of a Kingsman’ and recapitulates the trip to Soweto, South Africa, an experience shared with MC/producer duo Liberation.
Conceived from the days when he focused on his role as a father, ‘Child of a Kingsman’ shows how Wildchild makes room for others within his tracks and seeks to bridge different cultures. Mixing jazz and neo-soul, he guards the legacy of hip-hop with lyrics that cut like a knife.
Our conclusion? This album is worth a salty 8/10!
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