Blu :: York :: Greenstreets/Nature Sounds
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon
This Blu album was originally called "No York" back when he gave it away for free, but the one word change has only affected the import of the CD to
my iTunes library. The tracklist is the same, as is the reputation of
the artist himself, once
described by RR contributor Mike Baber as "(one of) the most
underappreciated emcees in hip-hop over the past five years." He
even got a 9 out of 10 for lyrics on his collaboration wih producer
Exile for "Below the
Heavens," arguably the most famous album of his career to date.
He's also ridiculously prolific, having dropped 8 albums in the last
7 years, and that's not counting EP's, mixtapes or albums that he
produced. That's right - he's also a producer in his spare time,
although considering he's talked about wanting to film three movies
one wonders when Blu will EVER have time to spare.
Add or subtract the "No" as you choose, but either way "York" is an
interesting and often times bizarre album. Besides being incredibly prolific,
Blu is incredibly eclectic, willing to embrace sounds and ideas that other
hip-hop artists wouldn't. Perhaps the outro of his song "Hours" explains
it best - a debate between him and an unnamed woman who suddenly
complains "That doesn't even fit the song!" Blu replies "What is the song?"
She responds "I'm still trying to figure it out after fifteen times!" Multiple
listens will be required to figure out the material. Take the
Flying Lotus produced
"Everything's OK" featuring Jack Davey for example. For me it's the
hip-hop equivalent of "Space Invaders Infinity Gene," complee with
similar video game sound effects.
Occasional songs drift back toward more traditional hip-hop, such as
the Samiyam laced "Everybody Nose" featuring Sa-Ra and Nola Darling, but often as not on "York" you'll feel
like your brain is the cover art - being washed away in a torrent of
liquid sound. I've seen the descriptor "electrohop" attached to Blu's
sound on this album, and that would definitely fit songs like the Dibia$e
produced "SLNGBNGrs." It's got a beat, but you can't really dance to it.
It reminds me of what DOOM
would be if he decided to produce records with only computer noises
instead of jazz and soul breaks - and that's a compliment to the degree
I can compliment it. I don't necessarily hate it, but I could easily
understand why a lot of people won't like it.
"Down to Earth" may be the album's most accurately titled song, as
Shafiq Husayn pulls Blu away from some of his weirder musical excesses,
and he winds up as just one voice amongst the rap team including
Definite, Donel Smokes and Dubble Oh. Shafiq is a good influence on
Blu in general, although "Spring Winter Summer Fall" and "My Sunshine"
drift more toward Blu's eclectic tendencies. I can't deny the creativity
of rap songs like "Annie Hall," but it's equally hard to deny that this
isn't the kind of song you can bop your head to with the top down as
you drive around. Even songs with a heavy bass like the massive
all-star track "Doin Somethin" still feel artificial and robotic, which is
as Blu intended. I respect the architect, but I can't help but feel that
Blu's point will be lost on listeners. Even the song "Tags" with Exile
has an alien feel, and it's one of the more normal tracks here. Caution
is advised - Blu's brand of hip-hop on this one's not for everybody.
Music Vibes: 6 of 10
Lyric Vibes: 6 of 10TOTAL Vibes: 6 of 10
![[York]](../coverart/blu-York.jpg)
This Blu album was originally called "No York" back when he gave it away for free, but the one word change has only affected the import of the CD to
my iTunes library. The tracklist is the same, as is the reputation of
the artist himself, once
described by RR contributor Mike Baber as "(one of) the most
underappreciated emcees in hip-hop over the past five years." He
even got a 9 out of 10 for lyrics on his collaboration wih producer
Exile for "Below the
Heavens," arguably the most famous album of his career to date.
He's also ridiculously prolific, having dropped 8 albums in the last
7 years, and that's not counting EP's, mixtapes or albums that he
produced. That's right - he's also a producer in his spare time,
although considering he's talked about wanting to film three movies
one wonders when Blu will EVER have time to spare.