|
|
|
|
 |
| tracklisting |
| 1. Prelude |
| 2. Fantasy Island |
| 3. Powers That Be |
| 4. Make Your Move w/ Goapele |
| 5. Shift Shape |
| 6. Classic |
| 7. Chicago |
| 8. Heatish |
| 9. Halo |
| 10. Love Flowin' |
| 11. One Hundred Thousand Indi w/ Abstract Rude |
| 12. Let It Roll |
| 13. Maggie May |
| 14. Jingle Jangle |
| 15. Full Circle w/ Goapele |
| 16. 7 Sixes |
|
 |
|
|
| Though their sonic approaches differ dramatically, there are several parallels that can be drawn between Hieroglyphics and the Wu-Tang Clan. Both crews have been making it happen for over a decade. Both have developed cult-like followings around the globe. Both have released an alarming
amount of classic material - timeless singles as well as untouchable full-lengths. Yet, in recent years, both squads have been plagued by accusations of 'falling off', and have seen their success, both critical and commercial, begin to dip as a result. It's been five years since Hiero's last group effort,
the excellent "3rd Eye Vision", and while their various members have stayed busy with a steady stream of solo albums and side projects, some heads have grown disillusioned and disappointed with the results. On the appropriately titled "Full Circle", the Oakland lyricists are back
in full effect, with some of the best music of their storied careers. |
| With production handled almost entirely in-house (Andy of Soul Unit is the only outside beatmaker), Hiero display their blistering emcee skills on each of the album's 16 tracks, delivering gem after gem and evoking memories of their early, jaw-dropping intensity. After a brief intro,
the Opio-produced "Fantasy Island" busts through the speakers, filled with fluttering harps and rowdy boom-baps. Another Op track "Halo" is absurdly hype, as the team
goes to work over some ridiculous chopped flutes, skittering drums, and live electric guitar. Domino's "Shift Shape" adds brash horns and mellow keys to the mix, and "Let It Roll" keeps the party bumping thanks to its
busy hi-hats and fantastic piano progressions. |
| Not every track on here is a party jam though. "Make Your Move" (featuring Bay Area songstress Goapele) is a mellow reflection of life on the road, and constantly having to leave your loved ones behind, laced with
mournful acoustic guitars and lovely vibraphones. And the A+ produced "Maggie May" is a thought-provoking 'little girl lost' type joint, speaking on an old friend who falls victim to too much booze, drugs, and shady men. |
| Throughout the album, whether the songs are upbeat or kick back, the lyrical swashbucking that made them famous takes center stage. Hiero have always had that certain, unique gift with the vocab - not content with simple metaphors, punchlines, or battle raps, they bring something
entirely their own to the table. Intricate and intelligent without being pretentious or nonsensical, they represent that well-balanced wordplay that is all too rare in hip-hop these days. Putting their best flows forward, each emcee delivers verses that are at the very least memorable, and at their
best, mind-bogglingly dope. |
| If there are any downsides to the album, it's the somewhat limited input of the crew's patriarch, Del. While he definitely rips it on each track he touches, it would be nice to hear a little more from the Funky one who started it all. Lucky for us, Souls of Mischief, Casual, and especially
Pep Love all come off extremely tight, sounding as hungry and focused as they've ever been. |
| While Hieroglyphics have long lived in the shadow of their early 90s trilogy of masterpieces ("93 Til Infinity", "No Need For Alarm", "Fear Itself"), the new album showcases a group that have grown and matured, without sacrificing their integrity or intensity.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or curious observer, "Full Circle" is just what hip-hop needs. Banging production, flamboyant lyricism, and another chapter in the saga of Oakland's finest. |
| review: brolin winning |
|
