“Style synonymous with tongue twisting linguistics equals the perfect definition for KMD’s newest album, “Bl_ck B_st_rds“. It’s rare that an albums style reaches out, grabs the fan, and rattles their mind with mind spelling lyrics, and this album does it all. KMD is exceptionally talented, and the lyrics on this album are defined with meaning that’s witty, and well articulated. The rhymes presented on this album are very well written, being both direct, and at the same time, simple to understand, and relate. A refreshing sound that is reminiscent of east coast music during the time of classic Biggie Smalls, and others.”
This album, recorded in 1994, was locked down due to some politically focused cover art. The cover art is still questionable as evident with the title “Bl_ck B_st_rds” featuring a “Black” individual hanging as the main focal point on the cover. This album has been “declassified” by Sub Verse Music Inc. in the year 2001. Much respect should be directed towards Subverse Music for bringing this album to fans, as the music is outstanding, and should not be held back due to the political aura of its presentation. Some of the songs featured on this album create an inclination of “politically defined” music; however, most of the music featured on this album is a lot more than political. Comparing this “classic” 1994 album, with some of the albums released in modern times, the image of the African American individual is no-less, or no-greater politically depicted; however, it would be incorrect to define this album as non-political.
The best track featured on this album is “Sweet Premium Wine”. This cut is exciting, refreshing, inventive, creative, and masterfully put together, because of KMD’s extreme talent, and the exceptional production behind this album. A truly “classic” cut, that hip hop fans will appreciate far into the future. In regards to the content of the rhyme behind the cut, no question that the words, and phrases may not be the most complex-metaphorically lifted, but they are well directed to fans, and lifting in a refreshing fashion, as oppose to spiritually. Other highly notable tracks include “What A Nigg_ Know?”, “Smokin That S_ _ T”, “Contact Blitt..”, and “Suspended Animation”, and other notable tracks include the rest of this albums impressive assortment of quality tunes. This album, the whole way through, is more than “listenable”, lacking any plaguing “filler” material. The only questionable track on the album is the intro, as in most cases an intro is creative, but very few times does it make the album any better musically. Really, what music happy fan, especially those who loop album’s, wants to hear a few people talking, or a conglomerate of skits / cuts for any amount of time over 30 seconds, if any seconds? Intro’s are as unproductive as interludes, as fans want more music, more good tunes, and less filler material. Is it fair to call creative, personally artistic expressions unproductive? It depends on who you make your music for, the fans, or yourself……”Mars Ill”, on “Raw Material” put together one of the best albums in regards to creativity, and identity presented to fans how they want it.
The beats featured on this album, backing the vocal gems, are amazing, and definitely stand the test of time. Not in the sense that they are like the majority of beats produced in modern times, but that they are still tight, and can easily be appreciated in modern times. The beats give the album a more refreshing vibe, and clearly “nod heads” as they captivate fans. Some of the best beats of time are laid down on this album. Like KMD’s music, the beats are abrasive, intense, and penetrating.
The strongest word to define the music on this album is “passionate”. The music presented on this album is not only good, but the fashion in which the artists bring their music to fans draws interest with little effort. KMD’s music is not dull, unclear, or boring.
Some critics may critique the simplistic word-use within some of the rhymes featured on this album; however, some of the best rhymes ever wrote have been laid down using simplistic words fans can easily relate. Not everyone needs to sound like “Albert” at a algebra convention to get their point across. Other critics may critique this album, claiming that it doesn’t withstand the test of time, and that in the industry of today it falls behind; however, when is a hip hop album, featuring good hip hop music something not worth listening to? This album features good hip hop music all through, and its very refreshing.
The question on most minds is, was this album worth the wait? Yes, of course it was, but it’s sad that fans had to wait so long to hear the music on this album. Bl_ck B_st_rds is worth listening to, both for the great lyrics, and impacting beats. This album will go down as a “classic”, and is very refreshing for fans who want something different than the typical gimmick plagued, modern time hip hop sound. Great album, great music equals heavy rotation.
Track Listing
1. Garbage Day #3
2. Get U Now
3. What a Nigga Know?
4. Sweet Premium Wine
5. Plumskinzz (Loose Hoe, God & Cupid)
6. Smokin’ That Shit
7. Contact Blitt
8. Gimme
9. Black Bastards!
10. It Sounded Like a Roc
11. Plumskinzz (Oh No I Don’t Believe It)
12. Constipated Monkey
13. Fuck Wit’ Ya Head
14. Suspended Animation
15. What A Nigga Know Remix ( feat. MF GRIMM )
