Album Review: Oddisee – Mental Liberation (2009)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Potholes
Fresh off the release of his D.C. group, Diamond District’s In The Ruff album, Oddisee drops a fresh solo album, Mental Liberation. Okay, so it really might not be a solo album; Oddisee lends tracks to various guests, including D.C. area’s Kenn Starr, Yu, and XO, as well as Black Milk, J-Live, MED, Trek Life, and a slew of other top-notch guests big enough for a small army. From the start, Oddisee makes his intent clear, he wants to make hip-hop fun and cool again. He wants people to be able to think freely about the world around them. Just in case you could not tell from the opening track’s title, “Hip Hop’s Cool Again”, in the very next track, “Let The Music”, LMNO raps about his love for music and hip-hop in between commands of “Let the music get you up!”
In large part, Oddisee toys with a bit more experimental hip-hop, twisting intricate drum loops with horns and dark piano riffs. To his credit, certain tracks are a huge success. The soundscapes are deep and meaningful and manage to not drown out the rapper and/or the lyrics. The samples that Oddisee picks are also for the most part very fun, fitting into the overall aim of the album. However, at times Oddisee does seem to falter a little bit. At times the beats run a bit stagnant, and trail into monotony. The guests create a very nice addition to the album; each guest has at least a decent verse to contribute. Although at times bordering on battle raps, the majority of the guests maintain the idea of positive living, and the love for music and life. Kenn Starr lends a very nice appearance on the free-flowing “Q & A”. On “Endure Remix” the idea of persevering through tough times, and being strong-minded is explored. All in all, Mental Liberation succeeds in being a fun, cool record, just in time for the start of spring/summer.
@rock creek narc… thanks a bunch man for checkin it out. you’re sure right about DC, and Dam Funk, but be on the lookout for his solo stuff, it IS out there, last year he dropped two solo LPs for free on his website… not sure if theyre still up but theyre prob out there somewhere. But yes, another official release from DamFunk would be terrific. Oh btw, those albums he dropped last year were both awesome!
peace.
this album is decent, i agree with your rating. oddissee is such a dope producer, and after diamond district i was expecting something a lil stronger, but still… i copped this at amazon with no regrets. a lot of good music coming outta dc these day but what im REALLY waiting on is damu the fudgemunk to step up and drop a solo lp.
Thanks for the comment man, I’m definitely looking forward to more Oddisee work also! should be dope.
Good review man. I agree, the beats did run a bit stagnant for me. Oddisee is one of the best producers in the game. However, when you hear “The Upgrade” beat he gave to J-Live and the beats from Oddisee 101 Mixtape these new beats don’t standout like his previous work. “Hip Hop’s Cool Again” is dope though. Lyrically, it was more on the battle rap side and less storytelling. I look forward to more Oddisee shit.
The album was: http://i39.tinypic.com/2uy17ow.gif
1ne.