“Behold an elaborate assortment of mind spelling thoughts wrapped within the center of smooth word play, witty punch lines, and impacting beats. Classified exhibits confidence in each rhyme which he unleashes near perfect. With stunning appearances by underground talent such as Dan-E-O, D-Sisive, Ground Squad, Trobiz & Kaspa, and Divo fans grasp an underlying reassurance that networking gives birth to some golden hip hop music. Classified, and Halflife records will continue to climb strong, never missing a single step, when creating gems like “Union Dues”. ” This album entails many strong points; however, the most noticeably appeasing is the equally profound balance between the over powering quality of the rhymes, and beats this album colorfully serves up. From beginning to end fans get shocked, rocked, double knocked from both smoking barrows. Other strong points include, but are not limited to Classifieds constantly smooth, confident, focused word play, style, and rhyme content. Classified has it down to a fine art in regards of how to express himself clear, with impact. The beats on this album grasp listeners attention effortlessly, as they are, for lack of a better word, banging.
Low points on this album are few, and so far in between that they are near invisible. Critics will argue that the album could be longer than 38 minutes, and 30 seconds ( fans like more than less for their dollar ), and the concept of the album could have been more prominently placed within the album; however, the 38 minutes, and 30 seconds of material that is offered is overly satisfying, and although as a whole, its not easy to figure out what this album is really about, each individual rhyme is clear, direct, and well put together.
The hottest track featured on this album is entitled “Past Out”. This track is an elaborate, well detailed story which takes place on the next morning, of a torn last night. Classified creates a colorful picture in the minds of all listeners as he exhibits his outstanding ability for putting down story rhymes. Entertaining, lively, and captivating. The beat backing this track is banging, and definitely another “attention grabber” of this impacting track. The content of this story is somewhere we’ve all been, and something we’ve all witnessed, and felt; therefore, this track is one that most fans can easily relate.
Other overly notable tracks include “Crossing Lines”, “Yuh Dead Now”, “Questions”, “Talking Sh*t”, “Darwin’’s Theory”, and “It’’s Like This”. Paralleling “Past Out”, all of the songs on this album feature prolific beats, and smooth bread buttering lyrics.
“Politics” is one of Classifieds more reflective tracks featuring lyrics you can feel, delivered strongly in a befitting presentation. The beat serves up some laid back, head nodding sounds. The scratching / mixing in the chorus certainly adds to the laid back underground feel this track emits. “Fuck press reviews where they talk like they got lines, always trying to front, you write articles, not rhymes.”
“Crossing Lines” features solid delivery, and smooth word play constantly. Strong abrasive vocals ride steadily on a banging beat. Classified steps up to the microphone, and lets fans know where its at.
“Questions??” is a very impressive track, that hits listeners with a commanding beat, and strong, ever flowing lyrics. Classified controls the microphone with confidence, and talent, which appeases all cravings for overly satisfying hip hop music.
“Yuh Dead Now” is one of those tracks forged with heart. If you ever had the slightest inclination that Canada, and Toronto don’’t bring it, this track will diminish it to finish. T-Dot is where its at, and with the help of strong contributions from talented artists such as Dan-e-o, and D-sisive, Classified shatters listeners. Dan-e-o uses a multi symbolic rhyme scheme which works well, and compliments the other two artists contributions. Classified delivers impact with his verse which lets listeners know he’’s on top of his game. D-sisive contributes a good performance, definitely adding to the track as a whole. Now the beat is, for lack of a better word, brilliant. Purely banging, hard hitting, and moving. This track is destine to be a classic.
The least appreciated track on this album is “A Martin Finch Moment”, which isn’’t really a track, but more of a short, 46 second interlude. Although this track was added for its artistic expression value, it doesn’’t work well, and instead brakes up the flow of the album. First thought when listening to this track is “Eminem??”. It sounds somewhat like Slim Shady speaking, and it reminds oneself of the same view Slim usually takes on the world. “F-in haters, these critics man, they hating on the video, the cd, the whole squad”. The next least appreciate track is “No Breaks” which is a good track, but when compared against the grain of this album, it lacks by a nose hair. All of the tracks on this album are impressive, and although “No Breaks” trails the pack, its still a satisfying track fans will enjoy.
If there ever was doubt that Canadian artists have a lot of talent to offer the world, that inclination is shattered again, with the release of this album. Classified delivers a wide array of impressive hip hop gems that will shine beyond a lifetime. Endlessly satisfying vocals, beats, and production. Certainly an album to pick up, check out, and spin in heavy rotation.
Track Listing:
1. Intro
2. Crossing Lines
3. Politics
4. Yuh Dead Now ( featuring Dan-e-o, and D-sisive )
5. Questions??
6. A Martin Finch Moment
7. Talking Sh*t
8. No Breaks ( featuring Ground Squad )
9. Past Out
10. Darwin’’s Theory ( featuring Trobiz & Kaspa )
11. Things Keep Changing
12. Average MC
13. Its Like This ( featuring Divo )
