Album Review: Abstract Rude – Rejuvenation (2009)

5/24/09 | By PVWonder | 5 Comments

Album Review: Abstract Rude – Rejuvenation (2009)
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Potholes

Let’s get this out of the way. Abstract Rude is dope. Lyrically, stylistically, tonally – just about every which way you can be dope as an eMCee, he has it in spades. That does not mean it translates to record. On Rejuvenation, Rude is ultimately cut down by the lack of, well, rejuvenation.

This is by no means a poor album – it is a sterile album lacking grit in the production, flow and overall aesthetic. Rude manages to paint a pleasurable picture. However, the consumer is left with few lasting images to carry from the listen. The major tripping point for this record is the overly polished production from Vitamin D. The beats are all solid but lack any sort of punch that would take these tracks to that next level. There is no edge. It is so perfectly polished, it seems too clean, too flawless and in the end, it’s boring.

Production aside, lyrically this album leaves little to write home about as well. The lasting line from the record is a poorly conceived use of the word ‘bastard’ which, unfortunately, is prominently featured in the hook on “Sadly Ever After”. Last I checked, a bastard is a child born out of wedlock…whether a parent is alive or dead is irrelevant.

The rest of the album is filled with casual lyrics, casual flow and leaves one with the feeling that Rude was merely going through the motions knowing that at any moment, he could flip the switch and tear the track apart. The lyrical star of this show, unsurprisingly, is Aceyalone – who guests on “Thynk Eye Can”.

The album is not without its bright spots. “Thynk Eye Can” is a tremendous track. However, the most telling track on this album is “The Conch”. From the production to Rude’s delivery, the eerie similarities to another mic giant become readily apparent. Masta Ace. The track is very reminiscent of “Block Episode” from Ace’s classic, Disposable Arts. Perhaps the comparison to Ace will give curious consumers a look into what this album may sound like. Unfortunately for Rude, he is no Masta Ace.

This is a pleasurable listen from start to finish. But in the end, I might as well just grab Disposable Arts and call it a day.