Chuck D, the legendary MC, songwriter and producer from Hempstead, New York, continues to impress the hip-hop scene, even at the age of 64. This hip-hop icon is best known as the frontman of the revolutionary group Public Enemy, and his impact still reverberates through the hip-hop world. In addition to his time with Public Enemy and his role as co-frontman of the supergroup Prophets of Rage, Chuck D has also released five solo albums. His 1996 debut album "Autobiography of Mistachuck" is regarded by many as a classic and set the tone for his career as a solo artist.
Now, nearly three decades later, Chuck D is once again making his mark on the game by joining Def Jam Recordings for his sixth studio album under his own name. The arrival of this album was not without expectations; it promises to be a powerful addition to his already impressive discography.
After the intro, "What Rock Is" immediately pops out of the speakers with a boom bap beat, thanks to C-Doc's production. The track describes the raw reality of the streets and the music that comes from it. "Black Don't Dead" is an ode to the immutability of black power and survival, though the struggle is far from over. "New Gens," a collaboration with Daddy-O, finally addresses the long-standing divide between generations within hip-hop; an issue too often passed over in silence.
With "Rogue Runnin'," which features Phill Most Chill, Chuck D continues his journey with a chaotic 2-in-1 track that highlights his decades of experience in the scene. "Is God She?", featuring 1/2 Pint and Miranda Writes, raises the intriguing question of whether God might be a woman, as funk and boom bap meet in a compelling mix. After the "Station Identification" interlude, "Here We Are Heard" by The Impossebulls screams the titillating message "Make Racists Afraid Again," and "Superbagg" featuring Blak Madeen explores the themes of stubborn traditions.
UltraMag7 joins in on "Carry On" for a rock-hard raprock banger that doesn't mince words, with a clear message for those who doubt its authenticity or wokeness. "What Are We to You?" mixes politically conscious lyrics with heavy drums and guitars, creating a powerful combination. In "Slight Story Style Sound" featuring Donald D, they showcase the essence of the four basic building blocks of hip-hop, and with "Signing Off," featuring gangsta rap pioneer Schoolly D, Chuck D rounds out the album in style.
Chuck D's latest project is more than just an album; it's a movement. He fuses the icons of hip-hop pioneers with the newer guard, a tribute to the timeless power of hip-hop. C-Doc's production lifts this work to a higher level compared to Chuck D's recent solo projects like "Celebration of Ignorance" and "We Wreck Stadiums," by closing the gap that hip-hop has held for too long. This album is a blast of truth, rhythm and resistance, a must-have in any true hip-hop head's collection.
Our salty rating: 7/10. What do you think? Bring your taste into the mix and share your opinion.
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