Chuck D is a 64 12 months outdated MC, songwriter & producer from Hempstead, New York notable for being the frontman of the seminal political hip hop outfit Public Enemy. Along with that & his temporary time as a co-frontman of the Prophets of Rage, he additionally has 5 solo efforts beneath his belt with my favourite being his 1996 debut Autobiography of Mistachuck beneath Mercury Data. Almost 3 a long time later, he’s signing to Def Jam Recordings for his sixth studio LP beneath his personal title with very excessive potential contemplating the buildup in direction of it.
After the titular intro, the primary tune “What Rock Is” breaks the door down with a increase bap opener speaking about making the needle within the ghetto stacks bleed from the left to the suitable whereas “Black Don’t Lifeless” talks in regards to the reality black doesn’t crack though they will absolutely die. “New Gens” that includes Daddy-O produced by C-Doc lastly addresses hip hop’s generational hole that has been an enormous elephant within the room for the previous decade or so that’s till we get examined to a fast “Station Break”.
“Rogue Runnin’” that includes Phill Most Chill strikes ahead with a chaotic 2-parter speaking about ridin’ soiled for over 3 a long time already simply earlier than “Is God She?” that includes 1/2 Pint & Miranda Writes ponders across the concept of our Lord & Savior being a lady mixing funk music with increase bap. After the “Station Identification” interlude, “Right here We Are Heard” by The Impossebulls makes the relatable name to Make Racists Afraid Once more whereas “Superbagg” that includes Blak Madeen talks about being caught of their methods.
UltraMag7 joins the rhyme animal himself on “Carry On” for a hardcore rap rock banger cursing in your metaverse out of spite for anybody dumbass listening to this pondering he’s woke whereas “What Are We to You?” mixes politically acutely aware bars with some aggressive drums & extra guitars thrown within the fold. “Slight Story Type Sound” that includes Donald D finds the two exhibiting everybody how all 4 parts of hip hop get down & “Signing Off” that includes gangsta rap pioneer Schoolly D feels extra like an outro.
Marking the return of the voice that by no means left, Chuck D unites each hip hop’s pioneers & newer acts who symbolize the present technology of the tradition alike in a fearless soundtrack for the instances delivering a seismic broadcast of reality, rhythm & resistance. It’s produced higher than his final couple solo efforts Celebration of Ignorance & We Wreck Stadiums, bridging the hole that has been a blatantly apparent stain for fairly a while to make the revolution on wax.
Rating: 7/10