MASSMC
|
![[*]](./images/ozhiphop/default_icon.gif) posted on 29-4-2005 at 03:43 PM |
|
|
Mnemonic Ascent - The Book's Full - Crookneck Records (Reviewed by Josh Coope)
This right here, this is music that transcends that whole "Aussie Hip Hop" label. This is simply dope music. MC's Raph Boogie and BVA alongside
DJ Ransom have put together one of the highest quality, dopest releases to come out in the last few years - Australian or otherwise. Straight up beats
and rhymes delivered with total professionalism, originality and confidence, this is 11 tracks (plus skits/intro) of fresh shit and its hard to
imagine any hip hop fan not appreciating this record.
Following on from the success and acclaim of Mnemonic's debut full-length - The Outside Inn - these dude's have outdone themselves by miles
and put together something really special.
The record opens up with a Ransom produced intro ("Fibre Optics") before kicking into the first real cut of the album, BVA's solo joint, "In
Here". This track is just fucken nice, over a head nod F&D beat BVA introduces himself and his crew, kicking some dope rhymes about hip hop music and
the culture, among other things, with a dope hook to let you know what the Mnemonic Ascent sound is all about: "When the anthem bangs yeh the kids in
the street know We get you higher than 30,000 feet, while its no trouble for me to speak up on this beat
I try very hard to give what's unique" This track is really a big thing for BVA, ever since the birth of Mnemonic Ascent, Raph has generally
been seen as the frontman and "better" MC, but in reality, both MC's are supremely confident and capable on the mic, flipping rhymes like
nobody's business with a style and cadence that is just flat out impressive and easy to dig. And this record proves that both hold their own
amongst kids "personal favorites" lists across the nation.
After the Jolz produced "What U Do To Me", a funk induced b-boy jam about the fairer sex, "Hold Back" kicks on with a dope horn loop and some
thick drums as Raph and BVA drop the flavour. The next cut is the simply incredible "Just For You", produced by Ransom, the beat is just b-boy shit
at its finest utilising some sick drums and RZA-esque vocal sampling, Raph starts it off kicking some angered illness, and without letting up, BVA
jumps straight in keeping the feeling amped like crazy. The only drawback of the track is the fact it ends just under the 2 minute mark, but when you
have two MC's abusing a beat this dope, quality beats quantity.
By this time, you can see the diversity the record upholds, after just 4 tracks, they've already offered up 4 very different styles with great
success, and it maintains this consistently dope diversity throughout, as the very next cut is on a whole other vibe as well, as Ransom offers up some
ruggedness in the form of the bone crunching "Freezer" with Raph and BVA just airing it out, this cut might take some getting into for some, for
others, it will be an immediate favorite.
Next up, the UK's Spikey Tee lends a hand to the hook of "We Understand", another highlight dedicated to the better parts of life, with Raph
loosely focusing on the love he has for his
son and what it brings to his heart while BVA follows up with a verse about whats good in his life.
About halfway through the album now, we get the first guest spot as they join forces with Muph for "Complicate", taking a verse each in between some
nice Ransom cuts, the track follows the idea of contradictions, or simple complications. As BVA drops perhaps his nicest verse on the record, dealing
with the concept to perfection: "completely occupied but still bored an electronic extension with no power cord King minus the crown, music without
sound
a pair of old socks with feet that can't touch the ground"
At this point, it's important to bring up the importance of DJ Ransom in the whole scheme of things. This is one of those groups who truly
utilise the importance and talents of their DJ, as without Ransom, this album would take an entirely different persona, each member is vital to the
success of the record, which is evident on tracks such "No Curfew", where each member essentially has a verse of their own to express themselves,
seamlessly blending dope lyricism with ill scratching this cut is Mnemonic as a whole.
the last 2 cuts on the album, "Nada Subliminal" and "Beleive In", are straight heat, particularly the latter, which features cuts from DJ Selekt
and more sick F&D produtcion, as Raph and BVA shine as bright as they have all album "Yo we came, with morning sun in frame and half of the people
couldnt pronounce our name Mnemonic Ascent! Breath of fresh air, now your breathing with no care Hyperventalate to demonstrate I know ya ready for
some steady raps, so that's what I brought"
In closing, this release is crazy from start to finish, showcasing three of Australia's finest putting their best foot forward, the album
succeeds on so many levels, from the dope lyrics and concepts of Raph and BVA to the top notch production efforts, all the way through to the mix down
and packaging, the subtlety's of this record all come together perfectly to make this release one of the finest out.
Sleep on this and wake up with a crook neck
Highlights: In Here, Hold Back, Just For You, Freezer, We Understand, Let You Down, Beleive In
Rating = 4.25/5 Finally, some Aussie hip hop that has no need for over
hyping.
(c)2005 OzHipHop.Com - No part of this review can be used without permission from the WebMaster
|
|
|
opinionbreath
Oz Hip Hop newb
Posts: 14
Registered: 24-4-2005
Member Is Offline
Mood: delighted
|
| posted on 29-4-2005 at 04:55 PM |
|
|
fuck! that review has me feinding for any money to buy this record this very second,
word up to bva, boogie and ranson and anyone else involved in the production of this... sounds like a classic!
Quote- nazaroo
"the second question has me wondering and should probably have you wondering for your assignment.. how many tossers spend their time labelling
hip hop.. real and fake
thats a good question i reckon"
|
|
|
Mayxii
custom status eligible
Posts: 4151
Registered: 13-7-2004
Location: CLAN DA NO GML
Member Is Offline
|
| posted on 30-4-2005 at 01:58 PM |
|
|
Will need to check this very soon me thinks
Latest Review (Art of War) - http://www.ozhiphop.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=80064
|
|
|
kurfew
custom status eligible
Posts: 1656
Registered: 20-2-2005
Location: southside
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
|
| posted on 30-4-2005 at 03:11 PM |
|
|
heard a couple of tracks off this sounds very tidy haven't picked it up yet but will do. props for the sik review.
|
|
|
mc04
custom status eligible
Posts: 1006
Registered: 22-2-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: grumpy
|
| posted on 1-5-2005 at 11:57 AM |
|
|
4.25/5
|
|
|
Xia
custom status eligible
Posts: 1825
Registered: 29-10-2002
Location: Adelaide
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pious
|
| posted on 2-5-2005 at 07:36 PM |
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by MASSMC
Sleep on this and wake up with a crook neck
|
illness
|
|
|
Scott081
custom status eligible
Posts: 2024
Registered: 8-11-2004
Location: adelaide
Member Is Offline
Mood: No Mood
|
| posted on 3-5-2005 at 12:59 PM |
|
|
Track 10 is cool.
In all, this album is great if your not interested in tight lyricisem.
The lyrics are pretty weak IMO.
But everything else is fucking brilliant - from beats, arrangement,
and total overall package. A good album but not a great album.
2.25/5.
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.
|
|
|
nobbus
custom status eligible
Posts: 3565
Registered: 3-6-2003
Location: ADL
Member Is Offline
Mood: like my life is gone
|
| posted on 3-5-2005 at 01:16 PM |
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Adelaidefan
Track 10 is cool.
In all, this album is great if your not interested in tight lyricisem.
The lyrics are pretty weak IMO.
But everything else is fucking brilliant - from beats, arrangement,
and total overall package. A good album but not a great album.
2.25/5. |
I agree. nice album but overrated.
I went from high school dropout to channel 7 journalist
|
|
|
mc04
custom status eligible
Posts: 1006
Registered: 22-2-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: grumpy
|
| posted on 3-5-2005 at 08:38 PM |
|
|
yeh beats pritty sick but overall not great id prob give it 2.5/5
|
|
|
bunj
Oz Hip Hop newb
Posts: 53
Registered: 29-4-2005
Member Is Offline
Mood: eating tinnies
|
| posted on 9-5-2005 at 02:06 PM |
|
|
tight package imo.. 3.5/5
eat green tinnies
[IMG]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a337/bunj_15/IMG_0034.jpg[/IMG]
|
|
|
Mayxii
custom status eligible
Posts: 4151
Registered: 13-7-2004
Location: CLAN DA NO GML
Member Is Offline
|
| posted on 9-5-2005 at 08:25 PM |
|
|
It's not bad. Good review though.
Latest Review (Art of War) - http://www.ozhiphop.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=80064
|
|
|
nobbus
custom status eligible
Posts: 3565
Registered: 3-6-2003
Location: ADL
Member Is Offline
Mood: like my life is gone
|
| posted on 13-5-2005 at 10:48 PM |
|
|
| Quote: | Finally, some Aussie hip hop that has no need for over
hyping. |
that was probably the most over-hyping review I've ever seen. reviews are supposed to be critical. this review sounds like it was written by Raph
and BVA.
maybe if this was released a few years ago it would have been impressive but today it sounds really average.
case in point: the way an annoying chorus ruins the Jolz produced track.
but the track with Muphin is pretty cool, so I can totally see why someone would like this album.
my advice: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
I went from high school dropout to channel 7 journalist
|
|
|
One Breath
O Breezy Flows So Easy
Posts: 6692
Registered: 1-5-2003
Location: Sydney, Nthn Beaches/Buffalo, NY
Member Is Offline
Mood: www.oldominion.net
|
| posted on 14-5-2005 at 12:10 PM |
|
|
the reason it isnt very critical is cos i fucken loved it.
Im gonna criticise something just for the sake of criticising.
thats the shit part about reviews though, 95% of the time you'll have a totally different opinion to the reviewer.
with the ink tip in sync with the think tank
i bring back qucik wit to scripts writ with syntax
In fact i miss print this shit just so it is rap
and spit that with a sick twist
like slit wrists sealed with a lit match
So nice I gift wrap spits which is effin' absurd
nice with verbs like a veteran at editin' words
pepper my verse blendin' elements of letters 'n' peppermint herbs
expressin' my elegant worth so often I live in a village of featherless birds
this gentlemen learnt to never surrender the Earth
so fuck pens, i'll pluck hens and dismember the chirps
now the pen is the skeleton renderin' a sentence in dirt
|
|
|
pier_one
Steed Under Attack Clothing
Posts: 1486
Registered: 20-12-2004
Location: SA
Member Is Offline
Mood: UNDER ATTACK
|
| posted on 2-6-2005 at 10:35 AM |
|
|
yer picked this up yesterday. pretty dope from what ive heard of it so far but tonight im gonna chop a fat sesh and listen to the whole thing
STEED // UNDER ATTACK CLOTHING
underattackclothing.com
|
|
|
urthboy
Oz Hip Hop Member
Posts: 150
Registered: 20-10-2002
Member Is Offline
Mood: shruggin
|
| posted on 4-6-2005 at 11:42 PM |
|
|
bought it a while back
dope album, from art to beats to raps to mixes - very impressive.
good work fellas! pat yaselves on the back...
|
|
|
-_n-2_da-J_-
ineligible for a custom status
Posts: 2441
Registered: 1-3-2004
Location: Melbourne, Western Suburbs.
Member Is Offline
Mood: sick initiative
|
| posted on 28-6-2005 at 11:06 AM |
|
|
word.. got this a while ago
for someone who doesn't judge soley on beats or lyrics but more so an overall sound, mnemonic ascent are def one of my favourite releases this
year
probably a 4/5
Boom bap boom b-boom bap.
|
|
|
Numba1Terrorist
custom status eligible
Posts: 1714
Registered: 18-4-2005
Location: Beyond the Black Stump
Member Is Offline
Mood: Alwayz Ignorant
|
| posted on 9-8-2005 at 11:08 AM |
|
|
| Quote: | | Quote: | | Quote: | Originally posted by nobbus
| Quote: | Originally posted by Adelaidefan
Track 10 is cool.
In all, this album is great if your not interested in tight lyricisem.
The lyrics are pretty weak IMO.
But everything else is fucking brilliant - from beats, arrangement,
and total overall package. A good album but not a great album.
2.25/5. |
I agree. nice album but overrated. |
Back from the archives
Bumped this for the last week and agree with the quoted post!
2.25/5. |
I agree. nice album but overrated. |
Stick your dick in your ear and fuck what you heard!
|
|
|
wrighty
Boycott
Posts: 6850
Registered: 10-3-2005
Location: Cesspit
Member Is Offline
Mood: Camel
|
| posted on 12-9-2005 at 11:57 AM |
|
|
I was sleepin on this when it first come out.. but its really grown on me..
Nice work
My Momma got cancer in her breast. Don't ask me why I'm motherfuckin stressed.
|
|
|
