It’s hard to believe that Canibus has been in the Hip Hop game for nearly the last 20 years. Ever since his controversial introduction as a rookie on the definitive posse cut “4,3,2,1” and subsequent beef with LL Cool J, there actually have been few that can rival the emcee on the mic in terms of intricate verses and destructively deep lyrical wordplay. But the thorn in the side of the Jamaican-born emcee throughout his career has seemed to be how his production choices haven’t matched up with his unbridled talent for rhyme. Hoping to change all that, Canibus teamed up with Grand Rapids, Michigan producer and Wu-Tang affiliate Bronze Nazareth for his latest incursion with Time Flys, Life Dies…Phoenix Rise. And with the music here, Canibus may have very well exorcised those past hindrances
The most unsuspecting but possibly greatest example of Canibus getting himself over the hump in this union with Bronze Nazareth comes in the form of “Mr. Montana…Thank You”, an introspective, bare bones track where Canibus seems to unload a ton of honesty about the Hip Hop game and the world in general, with lines like “…the fate of humanity is tailor made/ We stuck between a rock and a razor blade…” It’s simultaneously vintage Canibus, but a track that ironically gives the emcee new life with Bronze’s pounding, plodding, East coast inspired drums and loops. That new life continues to seep throughout the makeup of “Infinity Detox”, where Canibus sears with passion like he hasn’t in a long time. It’s a welcomed, re-energized emcee that spits those gritty, gravelly bars over the somewhat-upbeat-but-just-dark-enough beat from Bronze. And the way the second verse is weaved together in a patchwork, staccato way is curious, but works.
Throughout Time Flys, Canibus seems to dig deep within the recesses of his past to give listeners a more introspective view of his travels, his career ups and downs and more. This is especially true on the 8-plus minute “Canibus Autobiography Pt. 01,” where he reveals stories about run-ins with Mike Tyson, Nas and the likes of Dr. Ruth, Bill Gates and Angela Bassett. And, as in the past, when he opens himself up to fans wanting to know more of his past story, Canibus seems to shine even brighter on the mic. While on “Give Me Not Control,” gears are switched yet again when the worship of mass media by the general public becomes the target as Canibus and Bronze Nazareth again form a solid bond through solid boom bap production and mind-expanding lyrics.
As he’s done in the past, Canibus seems to rely throughout Time Flys on themes of self-reflection, the search for truth, and trying to educate while entertaining. And while he has always been an emcee that can easily manipulate words, expressions, thoughts and phrases into some of the most improbable lines Hip Hop fans have heard, there have been a number of times where it either comes of as heavy handed, or it just doesn’t seem to align with the music and beats that he’s gone with. That’s not the case here. Nearly every piece of production that Bronze Nazareth has chosen for this album seems almost to fit distinctly with Canibus’ rhyme style, delivery and attitude. For example, there’s the eeriness in the organ on “Formula Won” that makes for a commanding, compelling listen. And the fervent soulfulness of “Igloo Music” is surprising in its mellowness, but doesn’t deter Canibus from being as passionate as on any track from the album.
Ultimately, Time Flys won’t be considered a groundbreaking album. Canibus is doing exactly what he is supposed to do here: being an impassioned, no-holds-barred emcee with a lot on his mind. It’s just that this time, he has a partner in crime in Bronze Nazareth that has seemed to awaken more in the emcee than either of them probably expected. Time Flys, Life Dies… Phoenix Rise might not quite be an album that allows Canibus to arise from the ashes like the Phoenix he wants to be, but it at least allows him to begin to dust himself off and get his name back in the conversation as one of the most puzzling lyricists of his generation.
jesus christ, what does this man have to do to get more than a 3.5 album rating from you guys? It’s bad enough you gave mic club a 2. The album, at the very least is a 4. Personally i Give it a 4.5 AOTH Contender right here.
Young Thug gets all the good reviews over here at DX.
Classic, not sure the reviewer even listened to the album considering infinity detox isn’t even on the album.
Lame review, Didn’t even mention “I couldn’t get around it” one of the best songs of the year. Album is a solid 4.
Ugh. Corny.
First listen I tHougHt tHis was dope as fuck, but tHe more I listened tHe more it got increasingly average to below par. MeH.
Absolute BS review for one of the years finest albums!
Classic album at the very least a 4.5 not sure what the reviewers were listening too.
Thank you!! Smh
One of the corniest rappers of all time.
That comment makes me quite certain that you’ve absorbed some pre-conceived notion of “cool”, and live in a little teensy mental box which is exactly where the mainstream media wants you to be.
Ps: Do you know what corny means? LOL the irony is priceless.
Or maybe I just don’t share your mindless devotion to one of the dumbest rappers that has ever lived.
As a PhD in English Literature and an ardent reader of poetry since childhood-I’d say that he has above-average intelligence and is pretty creative. I recently chanced upon his music,and found it to be quite intriguing,and compelling(especially because of the humanitarian motifs) since most other rap I’ve heard sounds rather redundant, vitriolic, and frivilous to the point of intellectual infantilism – and therefore I don’t listen to it. So, I’m at a complete loss as to understand where exactly you are coming from in relation to your, “dumbest rapper” comparitive- Although, I suspect some or other untenable simulacram.
Ps: I’d be very happy if you could point me in the right direction as to who exactly you think is a better listen.
Was lil wayne’s fan page down?
@Thequillthattwirls His lyrics are complete nonsense. He talks about discombobulating prostates, for fuck sake. He may not be an idiot – and he’s certainly creative – but his lyrics are idiotic. As far as a better rappers, a list might include Rakim, billy woods, Ka, Roc Marciano, GZA, Mos Def, Jean Grae, Killer Mike, Andre Benjamin, Bahamadia, Grandmaster Caz, Shad, Nas, Big Daddy Kane, Kendrick Lamar, Scarface, Vince Staples, Chuck D… I mean, everyone basically.
Congratulations on your PhD. You now automatically win all internet arguments.
Bro if you’re going to try to slam the man’s lyrics at least quote some of his real lyrics…clown
Very proud of Canibus about this album.
Sickest Album of the Year, Expecting Nothing Less!!!!!
Album of the year so far. Don’t know what you where listening to mr Grant?
Really album of the year? Canibus was once one of my favorite rappers but c’mon man, what other albums have YOU listened to? I don’t me an to call you out personally Aron because I see others sharing the same sentiment but Canibus is nowhere where he was at in ’98 – 2005. Around that point he just changed his style too drastically for me. His voice is way too rough and monotone these days and he’s not coming with those multis or hot lines either like he did. Maybe Im ignorant but I really feel like Rip the Jacker was the last great album Bis put out and I haven’t heard anything really worthwhile from him since the joint he did with Chino and Copywrite like 5 years ago. I am not hating and I’ll admit the production is on point but I want the Can-I-Bus era Bis back just like I want the Marshall Mathers LP Eminem back.
This a very good album, Bronze’s production is amazing and Canibus is spitting some heat (and some very mature perspective type raps. The dude has grown a lot since his last good album, Melatonin Magik)
WOW!! U ASK FOR A REVIEW & THESE WACK ASS HOT97 TYPE WRITERS CAN’T HAVE THE DECENCY TO DO THE DAMN JOB RIGHT. FUUCCKK!! u fuckin praise the formula then shit on it with a 3.5 fuck this no talk of Rap features, old school legendary Dj Tito & Pete rock production, innovative classic remix on Rome probably the best track on album. AT LEAST U DIDN’T FOCUS ON PACMAN’S WACK VERSES… CREDIT TO DAT. BIS IS NOT GETTING HIS DUE UNTIL APOCALYPSE TIMES HIT AMERICA LIKE 3RD WORLD N TIGHT PLEATHER JEAN PILL POPPIN SYRUP SLURPING IMPERSONATORS GET SKINNED ALIVE TRYING TO FREESTYLE BULLSHIT WHILE HOLDIN EACH OTHERS CROTCH….
Canibus criticises the state of hiphop….hiphop writer give it 3.5 stars.
Ultimately, this is no different than any other Canibus album in this respect.
This is a very deep introspective album. Very cohesive album top to bottom. Canibus conveys his message flawlessly
This is a classic album. Someone should inform the people at hiphop DX about the infinity layering concept. Or better yet, maybe reach out to Canibus or his manager so they can explain it.
This ninja found one negative thing about the album in his opinion, and wrote this poor ass review? You should be ashamed of yourself? It’s like these people are afraid to say this is a dope album, Canibus is a great MC who cares about the culture unlike most of these so called artists.
I wish someone would these editors accountable. This guy obvious hasn’t heard a Canibus album in may years!! I know this because he is still talking about production and he clearly isn’t informed about the infinity concept. These review also contradicts its self. Saying this is exactly what Canibus should be doing, but goes on to say imply it isn’t innovative enough. Also mentions intricate rhyme schemes. Isn’t that in it’s self innovative? Also if you’re going to reference past work, make sure you actually listen to it first!
This review doesn’t come close to encapsulating how dope this album is. And he’s way off on some of the production credits, attributing beats to Bronze that weren’t his. I find it strange how most of the album’s dopest tracks didn’t even get mentioned nor did the impressive features.
Album of the year so far
As an unabashed Canibus fan, I can safely say this is my favourite (and perhaps best) Bis album front-to-back. Go pick-it-up.
To me, the review reads like Bis’ past played a role in the final score. That shouldn’t happen in an objective review of an album.
One of the greatest Emcee’s of our generation. Nothing but Respect!
I have to cop this album on the strength of the songs I have listened to.
Few in the game today come close to Biz, give the Nigga his props.
As for the rating,fuck! that should have been a 4 stars.
One of the best albums of 2015 without a doubt.
trash review how you gon mention only couple tracks off the album and one isnt even on there was just a promo.
Finally, been waiting for this for weeks now, I’m not surprised at the rating this reviewer has given this dope album which in hip hop fan opinions (including my own) deserves FIVE STARS EASILY.
Beats got that old skool feel to it.
a classic album should be 5 star
Love the album. Brings me back to the 90s. Easily top 3 Canibus album of all time.
Production is very nice and the guest appearances holding it down.
4,5 stars in my book.
They couldn’t afford a decent mix tho? smh. And I work in the biz. I know the difference between a certain type of sound and a piss poor mix
not a huge canibus fan, but this joint is solid. ear popping production and lyrics are nice as always…
Man been waiting for this since Silver n Bronze…Bronze nazareth is very underated when it come to production and some extent his raps…but if you listened to the Great Migration you will know what I mean. But nonetheless this is 4.5/5
Very good production and insane lyrics…love this album…
Dope
This dude still alive huh??
Did you even listen to the whole album?
bis’ still a beast
this is a hot album
Best album of the year
AOTY
Bis sounds so good over bronze beats
this boy did what i couldn’t
Never lost his step THE REAL G.O.A.T.
That pete rock verse is recycled. So lame
5
Flames. This is probably Canibus’ best work along with Mic Club.
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I would take the Bis that never went triple platinum, never sold his soul for hip hop gold, and got black balled by the industry ANY day of the week. The fact that Canibus has consistently struggled for recognition and refused to behave the way people expect him to (KOTD for example) is part of his appeal (to me anyway). If he had reached the heights of people like Em he’d be battling a whole different bunch of demons (and pulling notepads on them anyway LOL) and I doubt he would have made a mere fraction of the contribution to Hip Hop that I feel he has made.
I have to agree many of his albums lacked the production that truly credited his unique style but C of Tranq onwards have been solid albums with the type of production that allow him to properly shine.
With this album & the Almighty collab, I feel like Bis has HUGELY redeemed himself back into the game and is spitting in a completely natural style on refreshing beats that take me back to when I first heard old school Wu. I used to rate Em and Bis as two equally gifted MCs whose paths went in completely opposite directions. Em got his place among the rap Gods but at what price? His lyricism is fantastic but I dont play hardly any of his tunes no more they make him sound generic and his whole life feels like a moan about being famous. Bis on the other hand, has taken about 10 albums to find the very specific production that fits his ‘way’. Once he found the right formula he is now making the sort of tunes that I would play all day and remain timeless like old school Wu.
Bronze and Bis is (IMO) a 5 star album and if my man hadnt have come with his history none of the ‘critics’ would have sweated him and given such biased reviews.
My only suggestion for improvements would have been getting Immortal Tech and K-Rino on the collabs but maybe keep that for the next album! Stick with Bronze and the formula is spot on Bis…. Keep doin what you do! Love & Respect to a true legend…
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Dope album
Maaaan?that’s hot…#respect_the_legend…