A joke is usually not too funny when it has to be explained to you. But what about an album, can that be good, although it only starts to disclose itself, once you hear what the artist intended to do? Yes and no. Because what if you don't get the interpretation of the artist? Then you are left with something that is confusing you, and that you can't stop referring to as 'I know it's good, but I just don't get it.' Quite obviously these introduction words have something to do with the album "Afro Classics?" by Scarub and Very. An album that is for a big part confusing and alienating to the ears that were treated to a different Scarub on his previous efforts. But once you read his intentions that he explained to us in this interview here, this album starts to expose itself in a different way, and some sense appears. We start to understand the things that confused us, but unfortunately, it doesn't ensure that we like everything we have trouble to get with.

According to Scarub, the beats that he did for this album (he did all of 'em apart of "AfroClassicism" that was done by Very), were intended to have a 'World Beat' kind of style. What then means, that often just too much is going on, that the rhythms are off center and that our westernized ears struggle to get with 'em from the get go. And it's especially confusing as with his own production Scarub abandons the spacey simplicity that made his past efforts, but especially the "A Fact Of The Matter", the nocturnal bliss that it is. With all of this not meaning though that we are insulted with sixteen wack beats. Scarub proofs his ear for carefully crafted offerings on "Public Relations" (feat. Eligh), "Black Beans And Dirty Rice" (feat. Tiombe Lockheart), "Hello", or when he puts a smooth and jazzy background to what sounds like an old Chris Rock routine on "It's Like This". But then there's also "C.P. Time", the quick "Shipwrecked" or the guitary "Nation Time" (feat. Knows) which are examples of what leaves us puzzled.

Lyrically there's nothing to complain about on here though. Scarub is further establishing himself as one of the most poetic and carefully styled emcees. Very is not dragging down the lyrical quality, despite his flow being more stylish and despite his voice lacking the 'wise' characteristics of Scarub. The content of the two is definitely on the same page, as they are sticking to a concept on the songs, instead of just putting two randomly picked verses and sticking them on the same cut. They spread pure knowledge, with glimpses into history, as well as often enough they talk about the regular hip hop topics, with the criticism always being said with positive intentions though.

Now, with "Afro Classics?" a whole concept is being released. With it being to tell the world about some of the still present ills, along with tragedies of the past. With again it being best to refer to the interview, as Scarub is much better able to express what you should know about this record. What the reviewers job is to tell you if the tracks sound good, and well, to tell you the truth, not all of them make it easy for you to enjoy what you hear. What might not even be against the intentions of Very and Scarub. Because when they intend to create an 'afro classic', the also want to create a piece of art. And that might no allow the music to be blatantly comfortable. And this album is definitely not that.