Album Review: CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Vol. 2 (2009)
Posted on November 29th, 2009 by Francisco McCurry in Album Reviews, tags: cunninlynguists, freddie gibbs, Outkast, UGK
Album Review: CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Vol. 2 (2009)
Rating: 3 out of 5 Potholes
Buy Now! CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Volume Two
Listening to Strange Journey Vol. 2 conjures up the idea of regionalism in rap music. Without getting to deep into the topic, this three man group from Kentucky defines and defies the concept of regionalism. Steeped in lyrics that convey a southern lifestyle and a sound reminiscent of early Outkast and UGK, the CunninLynguists have a sort of post-modern novelty aspect to them. They reach fans outside the traditional underground setting, while being southerners far removed from the current popular southern sound aesthetic. This in a way appropriately frames the sound and title of this album.
Strange Journey Volume 2 opens with a very clear intro that details the theme of travel for the LP and also has the tone set with “Imperial”. Featuring promising up-n-comer Freddie Gibbs, the song has an upbeat no-nonsense intelligent gangsta-lean to it. Another early standout is “Heart”, addressing the silliness of the hyper-masculine thuggery that pervades so much of male identity in America and rap music. Later in the album, one of the stranger joys is “Cocaine”, where the ‘Lynguists speak on the deadly irony of how embedded the drug is in our way of life over very unique production courtesy of odd ball himself J-Zone.
Yet overall, the album lacks consistent appeal. While “Tear Trax” is admirable, it’s an example of that inverted patriarchy that is so common in rap music. Speaking on domestic abuse, the emcees focus and blame the victim, instead of addressing the men and ways in which to stop male on woman violence. “The W.W.K.Y.A. Tour” while having moments of humor is obnoxious. Also, Deacon and Natti are in themselves hard to distinguish at times, but with 12 guest emcees, Strange Journey 2, at times sounds like a compilation album. There is no doubt being six albums deep, that CunninLynguists have talent and skill. But at times a more organic lo-fi sound, like the one found on “Everywhere”, would complement them much more.
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Damn… a 3 out of 5? I’m very confused as to why it’s getting such a low score. Sure the WWKYA Remix isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I fail to see any weakness in the songs. The production throughout the album is top notch; To Be For Real has one of the nicest beats I’ve heard in a minute. Your gripe about the guest appearances also seems odd, considering this isn’t supposed to be considered a full album. Just because CL puts time and effort into a mixtape doesn’t mean having many solid guest appearances should count as a strike.
I don’t know… maybe I’m just being blinded because it has the CunninLynguists name on it, but this is quality hip-hop
Yeah, I agree with the above poster. I’m not sure why many people keep thinking this & Strange Journey, Vol. 1 are supposed to be full albums. CL has said that they were meant to be more in the vein of mixtapes, hence the remixes, live songs, and multiple guest appearances. That being said, it was still a pretty good album and deserves at least half a point more, in my opinion.
I actually very much agree with the scoring here. SJV2 is good, but was just a notch below SJV1 for me, which in turn was also a step below many of their full albums. Sure they have consistently great production, but that isn’t everything. The fact that these aren’t supposed to be full albums doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be judged by the same criteria. It still needs to have a focus, congruity and flow throughout, areas where the SJV series falters to me.
I agree with the rating, too. Zach pretty covered it for me.
first thank y’all for taking the time to read the piece and not point out the two typos, LOL. I did a little research on the group, but did not come across the statement that these were more like mixtapes. either way it would not have changed my view of the album. artist in this day and age release mixtapes and official albums and lack a sense of quality control that hurts them on both sides of the coin. my gripe was not that there are guest, but that the guest remove the focus from the actual group and creates a compilation feel. not to add that yeah some songs are good, but for albums to move towards dope and excellent they need to have memorable material, which this album/mixtape does not.
“they need to have memorable material, which this album/mixtape does not”
Dis-a-fucking-gree. I’d be interested in what you thought was worth a shit this year if not this.
Yeah, its no “classic album” but…pretty terrible review.
HAHA no one is saying this is a bad album.. it’s a THREE OUT OF FIVE.. THAT ISN’T BAD… damn man, people need to stop taking shit personally, it’s just a fucking opinion. calm down
I’m not saying the review is bad or the score is terrible. But in my opinion, I feel it deserved a lil more. Just my opinion, like the reviewer had his opinion. I personally like the compilation/mixtape feel of the SJ series cuz it gives me the feeling of being on a Strange Journey, in a sense. This is something I could play in my car while going cross country. I think what CL was striving for was ultimately accomplished. But that’s just my opinion. I like your review & def see where you’re coming.
~Wise
That wasn’t at you Wise haha.. my bad
nah, you’re fine. just wanted to clarify on my first post. nothing but love.
I was expecting to see at least 3.5 but I think the rating was fair – I was thinking the same thing as T moon’s last comment. What i didn’t expect to hear was WWKYA described as obnoxious. Yeah its five minutes long but I hit rewind on that too many times, even if just to hear substantial go nuts and the beat drop again. I gotta say I ran back Streets a lot too because kno did something incredible there if you ask me, but then again the same could be said for pretty much everything he touches.
All in all I’m with Wise on this one – CL hit the target they were aiming for, so good work. Oh yeah and CL – come back to Cleveland immediately
shots fired! lol @ Ron, seriously, chill fam. here is my top 5 for this year
1.the ecstatic
2.en a free ka
3.diamond district
4.oscillation: triangle
5.octahedron
I knew getting the assignment to review this album CL fan boys would take offense to anything under a 3.5. but this shit doesn’t knock to me plain and simple. I hear most of y’alls issues and all I can say thank potholes for allowing y’all to add another perspective to the reviews. again thanks for reading