Fresh off the critically-acclaimed In The Ruff debut by his Diamond District click, yU wonders off into solo territory with Before Taxes. Impressively, he doesn’t mimic the group’s formula or sound, but works hard to create his own identity. It’s been said that the Diamond District collective delivered Washington DC an overdue nationally-talked about project, Before Taxes is yU’s chance to put himself squarely in the middle of all the commotion.
The album begins with cleverly created introduction. A politician is sampled discussing the topic of taxes with yU breaking in with a verse that sets the tone for the remainder of the album. From the jump, yU is a sharp lyricist, both in thought and in craft. Where many emcees fall into the trap of predictable rhyme schemes, yU throws in a well-placed word or phrase that really highlights his lyrical ability. Few emcees can actually rap the phrase “cools beans” and get away it, but yU not only does it, but makes it sound fresh. It’s his ability to write solid lyrics and be honest at the same time that makes a perhaps simple line like “Ain’t nothing changed but the facial hair” so endearing.
The production is solid throughout. yU himself is credited as a producer on half of the album’s 16 tracks. He has a good musical understanding, which is very evident in the instrumental track “MmHmm,” “Corners” and “Fine.” Alongside yU, Kev Brown, Bilal, Oddisee, and Slimkat78 handle the rest of the production. The sound of the album is fluid. It was clear that yU went after producers who had a similar sound to his own work, and that focus pays off. Throughout Before Taxes, each producer has interesting and fresh approach on the use of bass. At times bass merely complements the driving drums, and other times it is used as an instrument of itself. As the culture continues to be influenced by the Euro-club scene, yU’s Before Taxes defies convention while still being sonically relevant. Bass never overwhelms the listener; it is used very precisely in a post-bop Jazz manner.
“Native” 
is a standout track on the project. The track begins with a Dave Chappelle clip, but the content itself is immensely serious. yU manages to pull off a moment of cultural awareness without ever sounding preachy. The result is similar to Brother Ali’s “The Travelers,” and the listener is treated with great work. Lyrics like “I sing a song of truth, courage, and respect / Jumping out there like Geronimo, we stand up for that / And our plan of attack is straight Cherokee strategy / You can kill me, but you cannot kill my legacy” are rather incredible. “Breakdown” features the ever dope Bilal who also handles the songs production. Here yU shines with might be his best lyrics, which even do more to highlight the phenomenal production.
The struggles of the album are minimal. The aforementioned production should be lauded for its effort, but it does come with its share of shortcomings. At times, the experimental use of bass clash with the higher pitched drums. A few dulled moments aside, yU approaches the cusp of timeless debut territory heard in Blu, Fashawn and Kid Cudi. The album has its share of above-average produced tracks, but that truly captivating single may yet to be heard. Whereas new classers J. Cole and B.o.B. are often championed for their great self-production, yU brings forth good-but-not always-great board work.
Before Taxes isn’t a new concept. Plenty of emcees have attempted to create an album that attempted to recall an era driven by love for the art. Several have attempted to rebel against a culture consumed with monetary status. yU manages to not only accomplish both, but also manages to do it with class. The project doesn’t escape without its flaws but in some ways, that’s the point. The album doesn’t suffer from failed commercial reaches or gimmick lyricism. Before Taxes is an ode to Hip Hop before everything complicated it. Before the money is taken from our check we were somewhere with our headphones on embracing every bar, beat and scratch. yU allows us to do that once again.
Took awhile! One of the best releases of last year, hands down. “Close” is too dope. Big ups to yU.
ayyy YU stay killin da competition… DMV ALL DAYj
Good Job bro…Wait for the Earn….
This album has classic written all over it.
yU is one of the best emcees out
This is an amazing honest album..yU is 1 of the best mc’s out there and his productions skills ain’t no joke
What about Apollo BROWN- The rest review? C,mon DX!!
I bought this. Worthwhile purchase.
great album but terrible review. “Breakdown” does not feature Bilal from Philadelphia as the review indicates, but Bilal Salaam from D.C. The clip at the beginning of “Native” isn’t from Chappelle’s Show, it’s from Glenn fucking Beck. get your shit straight hiphopdx, if you’re gonna pretend to be an authority on rap then do your fucking research.
No offense HHDX, but this aint the first time they put out inaccurate information. As far as the review goes, Im happy they gave this 4 stars. This is a great great album that many heads will sleep on. If anybody happened to like this, then please get that Diamond District album “In The Ruff”. DMV gets love in Cali.
The Bilal Salaam thing is true, but the updated version yU’s project does have Dave Chappelle at the beginning (Glenn the douche Beck comes on later). Either way, I gotta give love to HiphopDX for taking time to review one of my favorite albums!
I’m feeling yU every track is nice
agreed
This album is dope! I really liked Diamond District’s album and this one as well. yU is good with the freestyle too, we had him on our show a couple times.
I remember when I first this album, it was a like a breath of fresh of air. yU truly brings back the essnce of hip-hop on this joint.
amazing how this got so many excellent reviews but i barely hear any diamond district tracks here on DMV radio. DMV needs more support
Fucking nasty. It’s not often these days I repeat a track.
Pretty much super dope….adding onto a nice year in rap. And someone was saying that gots no play in DMV, and I was there somewhat recently, and literally heard not one song on the radio there, nor had my boy really heard much about it, except thru other people…and he stay in Silver Spring…….kind of odd. They need more love. It’s like the Carolinas and Little Brother or Danny!……support your own.
damn i cant even find this dude on google. wtf? i guess its on amazon or something. i want to listen to this album. this one is under-under ground i guess..
you can cop it at itunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/before-taxes/id363912874
I just bouth this album yesterday. Thought i was gonna have to go on amazon to get it but i got the only copy they had at my local music shop. I was fuckin ecstatic bout that shit for real
what store you cop it at?
sucks azz
JO
DISAppointing vbrwadg
Sadly this is the first Yu joint I have ever copped… I have to say I’ve missed out on alot
4.5 – Lyrics
4.5 – Beats
5 – Originality
But I’ll give the album a full five becuase that is what it deserves.
its iite
Damn, this album dropping some wisdom that would make Jay Electronica take notice! Who YU and where he from? Album is that business.
thank you 4 recognizing talent.
hip hop hooray! I can hardly b lieve this thoughtful, intriguing, seductive, emotional, lyrical music is UNDERGROUND. Just feel it, it’s harmless.
This album has to be one of the dopest I’v heard in a long time. yU is defeinatly one of my favorite emcess to date. Keep bangin homie!
Returning to remind ppl it’s still classic!
Did I say this album is in my top 3 for 2010 yet? It is.
CLASSIC. This album is the most interesting project I’ve heard in a long ass time. yU got flavor.
Brainwash is insane, another great MMG release
this is some ill shiz!!