Outthere is one of those independent artists that you might not have heard before, but who fans will in time tune into without disappointment. The Freshest New Jeruz Resident puts forth a impacting assortment of intense hip hop tracks on his impressive debut solo release. Although the cover artwork is dark, and almost demo level in stature, the music featured on “What Does He Think He Is Doing?” is anything but dark, or dull.
The most appreciated track featured on “What Does He Think He Is Doing” is entitled “I don’t know” featuring Outthere on some explosive lyrics well suited for capturing the club type allure. Not only is this track creative, but it easily appeases fans, displaying Outthere’s vocal talents at their best. Intense microphone dynamics, overlaying a smoothly intense beat produced by Outthere himself, contributing to the proving fact that both Outthere’s production, and vocal skills are equally appeasing. The second most appreciated song featured on “What Does he Think He Is Doing” is entitled “Ladies Got Me Open”, which features an excellent vocal performance by Outthere, and again, equally appeasing production. Other notable tracks include “So Why Do I”, “DSDJ ( Hard To Stay Humble )”, and “The Main Event”. “The Main Event” features many talented artists, who all come together to contribute a highlight addition to the album. The least appreciate song remains a ghost, as all of the songs featured on this album are equally around the same level of quality.
Critics may frown upon the use of interludes which break up the flow of the album, the album artwork which is dark, failing to match the quality of the music, and the “New Jeruz posse” attitude the album brands. Outthere has proven to be a strong facilitator of New Jeruz talent, and a heavy supporter of music, and artists coming out of the New Jeruz area. As much as Outthere needs to be commended on his support for local talent, not all fans enjoy cliquish attitudes on albums. Its also important that an album achieves a presentation worthy of its quality of music, and although this album was professionally manufactured, and features some incredibly hot music, its cover art doesn’t represent its content well enough.
Strong points to this album are its full length, 16 tracks ( inc interludes ), Outthere’s exceptional flow, strong rhymes, smooth articulation, heightened creativity, and experienced microphone technics, and production abilities. The intro to this album is also well put together, and does do the album justice. “What Does He Think He Is Doing?” is loop worthy; however, as previously mentioned, the interludes do take away from the consistent flow of music. Also fans should recognize the fact that this album is an enhanced CD with bonus music and video.
Overall, Outthere is a talented artist, and “What Does He Think He Is Doing?” is a excellent solo release worthy of fans attention. There are no disappointments with Outthere’s lyrical, or production abilities, which are very entertaining, and impressive. Tune into this rising star.
Discography:
Da Raw dirty I CD – 1998
Kat Klaw Productions/Tea-Masters Set.
Da Raw Dirty II CD – 2000
Kat Klaw Productions/Tea-Masters Set.
The Not Really House Ep CD –
2001 Kat Klaw Productions
The Unexpected EP 12 inch –
2001 Kat Klaw Productions/Run-Amok Records
Pieces of the Klaw CD –
2001 Kat Klaw Productions
What Does He Think He Is Doing CD –
2001 Kat Klaw Productions/Run-Amok Records.
Track Listing:
1. What Does He Think He Is Doing? (intro)
2. I Don’t Know
3. Outs-di-fresh-s
4. El Boracho
5. When I Get It (don’t Come Through)
6. Ladies Got Me Open
7. Only in It For Da Doe
8. So Why Do I
9. Habla Ingles
10. Well Spoken (interlude)
11. Travalin
12. Dsdj (hard to Stay Humble)
13. What I Do (interlude)
14. It’s About
15. Holdin On
16. The Main Event
