A.T.I.

Mos Def
Tru3 Magic
Geffen Records



Mos Def fans have been waiting years for the talented triple-threat to get back to his roots as a rapper, but now, almost 3 years after "The New Danger," it's clearer than ever that Mos just isn't that interested in rapping. After breaking out on the Hollywood scene over the last couple of years, Tru3 Magic comes off as a desperate move to fulfill Mos' contract at Geffen. That's not to say that Mos still can't rhyme, as he rips the opening title track with ease, and rekindles the same energy on the dated "Dollar Day," where he voices his disappointment with the Katrina recovery. "Crime & Medicine" is also an interesting piece, where Mos rhymes over GZA's "Liquid Swords" classic production. But on too many occasions, Mos sounds uninterested, either crooning through large parts of the album, or rhyming lazily over jazzy production. This becomes too obvious on "Sun, Moon, Stars," where Mos is reduced to a speech-like flow, over a flute inspired beat. While the production is interesting, it lacks the fierceness needed in a Mos album, and the lack of energy translates into Mos Def's relatively tamed rhymes.



Ghostface Killah
More Fish
Def Jam Records


If you weren't convinced the first time, there’s no denying it this time around- Ghost is back. After dropping one of the years best albums in Fishscale, Ghost returns with the equally fresh More Fish. Many wondered whether Ghost would have enough material to drop two solid albums in the same year, but More Fish is packed with creative, high-quality material. "Ghost Is Back" starts the album off right, as the first half of the record flips an old-school sound with Ghost's sharp rhymes. "Good," the album's first single is a high-energy, light-hearted jam, and it sets the way for the rest of Fish, as the latter half of the album is packed with a variety of original joints from Ghost and the Theodore Unit. Trife Da God and Solomon Childs rock on "Grew Up Hard" and Ghost and Sheek ride the electric "Blue Armor" with a swagger similar to Fishscale's "The Champ". More Fish finds Ghost backed by stellar production, reminiscent of the 90's, but Ghost's rhymes make it clear that he is one of the game's best in 2006, and he has no intentions of stopping any time soon.



Sway
This Is My Demo
All City Music


Who knew UK rap was this good? Derek Safo, AKA Sway, got his start in London's underground hip-hop scene, and has since garnered international recognition for his efforts on his debut release This Is My Demo. And for good reason- Sway is the perfect example of what American rap is lacking, as his major debut is a perfect blend of creative, yet crystal clear rhymes. Sway's various talents, including impressive production chops, make him comparable to many American artists, as his perfected breathy flow can be compared to the lyrically disabled Young Jeezy, while his subject matter is reminiscent of Rhymefest's finer cuts. The album's title track is a dark introduction to the artist that is Sway, leading into the Baby Blue assisted "Little Derek," which works as a prelude to the incredible "Pretty Ugly Husband," which details the horrors of living with an abusive spouse. "Flow Fashion" and "Up Your Speed" are examples of a less engaging Sway, as he attempts to create American style street anthems. Sway shows off some impressive piano loops on the introspective "On My Own," featuring fine vocals from Nate James. Sway closes things out with the uplifting "Month In The Summer," putting a wrap on an impressively well-rounded introduction from one of the best international acts in hip-hop. With this stand-out underground record under his belt, lets hope the yanks don't put a damper on this British wordsmith.

__________________


'Let's get it clear like eucalyptus, if you conflicted'

Lawlz

great reviews...that sway shit was nice as hell, but I wasn't feeling Mos at all unfortunately...needs to get back on that Black on Both sides shit...also More Fish was nice, but not as good as Fishscale

props for the reviews

A.T.I.

^yeah i prolly should have given Mos 2.5, but i didnt feel like relisteing to that album to re-check my rating

__________________


'Let's get it clear like eucalyptus, if you conflicted'