Local hip-hop act impresses with a throwback feel
Bringing liberation to the underground hip-hop scene, Canto I’s album “While You Were Sleeping” showcases lyrical flare while discussing real life issues. Canto I offers a break from the mainstream hip-hop beats and messages.
“6:00 AM,” the first song on the album, is meticulously assembled. It tastefully weaves together classical music and modern hip-hop. You will definitely be swaying back and forth to the laid-back rhythm on this track.
The group skillfully delivers honesty and conviction on “Think They Know.” They boldly take a stand on this track with perfect timing, rhyming each verse so it flows naturally into the listeners’ ears.
Las Vegas gets a shout-out in the song “The Flats.” The song conveys a message of the Las Vegas life. Casino-like sound effects will sound all too familiar for Nevada natives.
“Death Connection” demands the listeners’ attention. The catchy beat combined with the dark message draws the listener into the song. The beauty of the song lies in drama-filled voices that exchange a death-gripping dialog. The conversation creates imagery that enables the listener to see what the rappers are talking about. It’s like storytime for a mature audience.
Canto I is not afraid to address current issues of America either. In the song, “Current Status” featuring Lacy RedHead, they manage to capture the essence of societal corruption. The female vocals provide a soulful backing to the conscious lyrics. The song pulls on the conflict between a brutal reality and a possibly positive future. The song ends with nothing but the sound of a voice speaking out a poetic verse.
Old school hip-hop breaks out in the title track, “While You Were Sleeping.” The rhythmic flow continues to lull one into this song. The scratching of records brings the old school hip-hop groove back with the song, “Lets Get Up” featuring Tree Woodz, and a jazzy funk is brought to the album. The song is more positive than other songs on the album.
The singing in “P.S.” adds depth to the album. It also gives the listener a break from all the fast-flowing rap. Ultimately, the singing brings interest to the song. Canto I provides a breath of reality to their listeners.
Canto I proves that the vibe for old school hip-hop is far from dead with this resurrecting sophomore album.
CANTO I
While You Were Sleeping
Release Date: July 29
Genre:
Hip-Hop, Rap
Grade:
B+
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on Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 at 12:57 am and is filed under Album Reviews, Arts & Entertainment, Vibe.
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