Cymarshall Law & The Beatnikz – Freedom Express Line
XOXO Records: 2010
There is always the argument amongst Hip Hop writers, critics and fans which suggests that the concept of message driven Hip Hop is either performed in an overwrought fashion or just plain nonexistent. Certainly there exists a handful of artists who manage to project their values clearly and without fear of rejection. But the climate of the genre currently lends itself to more simple fare, which is truly a matter of opinion to most. With this daunting mountain of doubt to face, it is refreshing to see UK-born, American-based (by way of New Jersey) MC Cymarshall Law fearlessly offers an LP of substance at a time where the buying public has a less elevated focus. Paired with the Swedish production duo of Frank Blank and Lil Jay (aka The Beatnikz), Cymarshall Law presents one of the strongest LPs of the year in Freedom Express Line – a return to a time where MCs used their platform to engage minds rather than confuse them.
For those not familiar to Cymarshall’s style, the MC employs an aggressive style with slightly accented inflections due to his Jamaican ancestry. The pure representation of Cymarshall’s style is on display with the reggae-tinged intro track; the MC lays out his mission in brief with an earnest plea that he has a purpose. The track is a perfect setup for “Zion Land”, another blistering Beatnikz offering and Cymarshall is in great form all while expanding on the excellent delivery and messages present in the intro verse. “Believe This” is another fantastic Beatnikz track that finds Cymarshall expressing his purpose in music, all while carefully stating that earning money via the music isn’t entirely a lost notion. The debut single, “The Flyness”, tones down the heaviness of the messages of the preceding tracks somewhat. The playful hook and bouncy track from The Beatnikz are the true highlights as Cymarshall’s voice becomes a touch grating and overly loud, although the content is strong.
“Love”, featuring vocalist Mary Lou, is a much needed change of pace. The horn-laced track from The Beatnikz work seamlessly with a subdued Cymarshall. And the less aggressive rhyming and topic are both welcome and necessary. The bubbly chorus from Mary Lou is an enhancement to the track. Closing with “Almost Home”, the LP ends on a somber note. The Beatnikz come through yet again with another well produced track and it gives just enough room for Cymarshall to finish things on his terms. Rhyming without the accent and perhaps closer to his speaking voice, the MC exudes confidence in amazingly calm fashion. Freedom Express Line is not a journey many listeners will dive into instantly as Cymarshall Law aggressively storms out the gate. Some will find the MC’s style a bit much while others will find reasons to be critical of the hammering messages. But as listeners adjust their ears to the MC’s hyperactive style and lyrical approach, there are many important gems expressed throughout the course of the album.
3.5 out of 5
“Cymarshall’s voice becomes a touch grating and overly loud, although the content is strong.”
This is exactly how i feel about this album. There’s skill all over the man no doubt, and i like what he’s saying but, he doesn’t do well with channeling his delivery. It’s too much of the same approach and cadence on every song… and it’s the type that needs a variant. The first verse on “Love” and all of “Almost Home” are the only times he tones things down a bit. I admire dude’s ambition and i love the cover artwork (which is why i picked it up) – but i could’ve used more changes in his style.