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.
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.
I would also have to disagree, the sound is consistantly smooth throughout and ab’s flows fit perfectly into the beats. This is a solid album, that need’s more support from REAL hip hop heads…
And to marty if you have never heard the albums “paint”, “showtyme” or “making tracks” you have NO idea how dope Ab is, you should give them a listen and rethink your feelings about Ab… just a suggestion.
i have to disagree with you all on this one. i love that it isnt as gritty as his other albums. i have a lot of abstract rude’s work, and i would say this is the best sounding, sound quality, one yet. i love the vitamin d beats, and it was well produced. i am however a much larger fan of the flows on Showtyme over this album, but, i dont think it is nearly as bad as you have made it out to be. my favorite song would actually have to be “It is what it is”, especially the last verse. i say give it another couple runs through the player. you may change your mind.
I’ll co-sign, too.
To be fair, I’ve never listened to an Abstract Rude album in full – unless you count his work with Moka Only and Prevail as well as Haiku D’Etat – but damn, you really captured how I feel about him.
I co-sign also. lol
This review is chillingly accurate to the writeup I had going for the exact same album.
Reyn-man threw me this album to review but I didn’t get around to starting it until today.
Listened to the album three times around and, well, if you want to know what I think about it, read this review.
An absolute co-sign.
Prashant, you are a very talented writer. Kudos!