Gathering respect and official acclaim on record two decades ago with Illmatic’s famed “One Love” shout, mere mention of Cormega’s name still holds weight within Hip Hop. Throughout time thirsty drama mongers have honed in on his fallout (and eventual reconciliation) with Queensbridge’s most prominent emcee Nas, downplaying the much deserved clout bestowed upon him by legendary neighbors including Marley Marl, Tragedy Khadafi and Mobb Deep. Having put this once tense strife behind him, the QB veteran’s knack for independence has turned him into a self-sufficient success, with Mega Philosophy extending his relevance and demand into modernity.
Making one of the album’s themes clear and apparent from jump, Cormega’s opening words on “A New Day Begins” flex his gift for poetic imagery: “Under the sun / Vultures looming, hoping to consume a culture wounded / Boldly refusing to die, I’ve shown and proven.” Rightfully offended as an elder statesman to walk in the shoes of greats to inspire him (not limited to Rakim, KRS-One and Kool G Rap), his determined aim is to pay the favor forward and carry a torch to enlighten today’s lost generation. Without a shred of bitterness, the former Violator/Def Jam signee holds label executives, fair-weather fans, and contemporary performers all responsible for Rap’s woes on “Industry.” Proudly representing his 41 years of life experience, Cormega finds it futile to keep up with youth as he remarks, “What’s swag? I don’t care how you dress / Or what you drive, I want rhymes that really impress.”
Mega Philosophy is a collaborative effort fully produced by Golden Age favorite Large Professor, giving good cause to explain his and Cormega’s continued longevity. Though most of the project is an intentional departure from boom bap, “Honorable” knocks hard enough to please old school beat junkies. Here Raekwon glorifies street life while Cormega takes the opposite approach, speaking to the positive impact his Muslim faith has had on his life. A further exploration into his mind’s inner workings, the lessons on “More” transcend current Hip Hop as he teaches about (the Egyptian land) Khemet, adding congas to accentuate the power of his message. So as not to lose listeners, one of this song’s simpler moments is the clever metaphor: “Let’s compare slaves to rappers / They censor freedom of speech and very few leave with masters.”
Far removed from street life, Cormega would rather vent his present condition in lieu of promoting his criminal past. Despite his artistic rebirth, Mega Philosophy remains focused on manhood and loyalty, overarching ideas always prevalent in his music. The sense of disappointment in his closest loved ones bleeds through the sobering “Valuable Lessons,” detailing how his progress has come at the cost of treasured relationships. While these stories surely hold great meaning to Cormega, they ultimately falter due to a poorly sung hook. This minor fault (along with Black Rob’s uninspired appearance on “Home”) has the otherwise potent LP lagging just a bit towards its tail end, but it stands to reason why such personal diatribes wouldn’t be left on the cutting room floor.
Clearly well thought out conceptually, one would be hard pressed to find a title more befitting than Mega Philosophy. Still embodying the knowledge of self associated with his career since 2001’s The Realness (long before Peter Rosenberg borrowed the term for daily gripe sessions on Hot 97), Cormega’s kingly stances are transparent at all times. Requiring just over 30 minutes to sit through, his important conviction repetitively preaches to the choir, but multiple plays will help digest the cerebral gems and complex syllables he puts to good use. Proving an ongoing chemistry with fellow everyman Large Professor, their synergy connects with the already wise while aiming to bridge gaps with the less developed.
This is a solid real hip-hop album. Cormega and Large Pro did an amazing job on it. Support real hip-hop!
it’s kind of sad how much cormega has always been underrated !
this album is very good and it’s a shame it won’t make half of the sell it deserves
4,5/5
This album is amazing. I’ve been listening non-stop since it dropped. Good review!
Finally got a review up. I guess hip hop dx saw my last comment.
This album is what the game has been missing. Real Hip Hop
Cormega’s great lyrics & Large P’s soulful beats. Enough said. If you havent picked up this album, your sleeping.
Rap music today is just making the generation stupid as fuck. (I know we’ve seen those vids of kids lighting themselves on fire) And yes i believe there is a strong correlation between the dumbed down music our kids are listening too and their actions.
Who is winning? Lets change it. Support real hip hop.
“Rap music today is just making the generation stupid as fuck”
Best definition I’ve heard of current rap music in awhile.
How can music make someone stupid ? I don’t get it.
How can music make someone stupid? Easily. Certain rappers constantly talk about fucking hoes, doing/selling drugs, partying all the time & small minded nonsense with “catchy” A,B,C – 1,2,3 bubble gum lyrics that a 3yr old can comprehend and recite. And call it swag.
Many young kids look up to all these rappers because that is all they are exposed too, they think its cool and want to be just like them; ultimately making you dumb as sheep.
Mainstream puts out this type of music to keep people ignorant. They do not want the youth to listen to music that makes you think about important things in life; music that brings a message; music that uplifts you.
solid album a definite addition to your collection.
That’s a low rating. This is better than Common’s album.
“most of the project is an intentional departure from Boom Bap”???? Uhhh pretty sure this whole album is boom bap. This shit knocks.
Great album. I love it. Lyricism combined with great production. Maybe a contender for Album of the Year, besides Freddie Gibbs “Pinata”. Cant wait for the new Scarface album!
I’d add barrel brothers by skyzoo & torae into those nominees..another solid album
IF YOU’RE THE 30+ AGE GROUP AND GREW UP WITH HIP HOP, TIRED OF THE SNAP TRAP FAST FOOD RAP THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED. MEGA SERVING THAT SOUL FOOD REALITY HIP HOP. THE LYRICISM AND PRODUCTION IS ON POINT. MEGA’S CATALOG JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER.
i agree 100% with ya on that
This album and Barrel Brothers are the two best releases for me so far.
Mega as usual coming with bars and content, and Large Pro on the beats never fails.
Don’t forget Freddie Gibbs & Madlibs
Shit, don’t forget BLU ALBUM!
Gotta check out those other releases indeed.
how did Common’s mediocre album get 4.5 and this a 4…. fucking HHDX. at least i know in my soul that this is at least a 4.5. Large Professor put his all into these beats, and Cormega did too with his lines. gotta give it a 5.
Common’s album was way better. C’mon son.
Common’s album wasn’t even close..
Please stop whining already. My god, you sound like such a little ass kid. Just be glad they’re both rated between 4 and 5, okay?
Fuckin up Hip Hop reviews is our business now shut up!
I’m a longtime Common fan, but just wasn’t feeling his latest stuff much at all..enjoyed more tracks from Cormega’s album personally
I’m from chicago & it’s hard to believe that someone can sit in a run and enjoy Common’s album more than cormega, and again it’s not common’s fault I put this on NO I.D. LARGE PROFESSOR though gave Corey some gems
Another great album from Mega
The album is amazing, not one bad track and it flows real nice from start to end.
i feel the sentiment for sure, real brothas speak on real thing. peace to mega.
Cormega is lyrically deep! His conscious lyrics are inspiring and up lifting! Large Professor’s tracks hit hard with his authentic Boom-Bap! Mega Philosophy limited blue colored vinyl LP and cassette available exclusively at: http://www.redlinemusicdistribution.bigcartel.com
3/5 a few tracks disappointed. the song with black rob needed more work.
The album is easily a 4 out of 5. Maybe even a perfect 5. Give it a listen and you won’t be disappointed!
That album is a 5.. Very solid album, it’s amazing..
Very under-rated mc so many classic tracks and the realness album is up there with the best NY albums ever one the best mc’s outta queens no doubt
Only complaint is that it’s too short
Garbage. This album has no swag. Females won’t like this. Young Money 4 Life. YOLO!!
Go jump off a building and take ymcmb with you.
This is grown man hiphop. Swag is for teens still living at home.
you are a dumb ass i can tell you a mainstream pop fucker
Drake Runs Rap probably has wet dreams over Drake and Lil Wayne.
wow u really r a shithead…u r a retard..u have no clue what hip hop is…wow how clueless
Anyone who responded to this in seriousness can’t possibly have a brain, dude is just trolling you.
5 star effort
Mega Forever!!!
“Before rap my name was ringing in the streets!”
-Cormega
classic
The most complete, most balanced, articulately penned and intricately produced album of 2014. Might be ‘Mega’s best album and considering what he’s done throughout his career, I’m comfortable making that assessment.
The Realness
Dope album lyrics are at an all time high for mega large pro could have came harder with the beats I give it a 3.5
he aint bad but so monotonous. his voice aint that good. 3 stars.
his voice is amazing.Monotonous?what about Guru?
In terms of creativity i agree though,he dont change styles or beats
3,5 star. His voice sucks bigtime.
3rd best album of the year this ish is so dope, Mega’s best album since the Testament & the realness
What are the top 2 in your opinion?
freddie Gibbs & Madlib- Pinata is first followed by Skyzoo and Torae- Barrell Brothers
Hell yes
This is an absolutely great hip hop album. Cormega really put a lot of work into making this a classic album for real hip hop heads and I salute him for keeping it 100 on this joint. I give it a 5 out of 5! I wish he would have put a couple more tracks on it but there’s still 11 bangers for you to rock all day to.
the writer of illmatic never comes soft
lmao
Keep dreamin’ fuckboy/gossip queen
This album will truly stand the test of time and exactly what the youth needs to be inspired to make real rap music, 5 stars
This is what we need… real music. The state of hip hop keeps deteriorating and we are fueling the fire by supporting the crap out there. It’s amazing how we are the consumers, but we just take what we can get. We need to demand music like this! It’s out there we just need to support it.
bery dope. One of the most underrated rappers. Nas really putting a hurting on his career with Build & Destroy but the dude spits nothing but intelligent street hip hop
Great lyricism from Mega
http://www.soundcloud.com/151becardi
better than commons new shit
Can somebody please tell me why yall sucking this boy dick?
Take your homo ass and fantasy back to your cave, faggot.
Dope!
no drake feature no relevence
I also fantasize about Drake and Wayne in my wet dreams.
I’ve been calling for a Firm reunion for 10 years now. Nas, AZ, and Mega. Fuck Foxy. Fuck Nature. Nas made a big mistake taking on Jay back in the day without AZ and Mega in his corner. Jay had Beans who was nice but had Bleek, Chris and Neef, Freeway, Ollie and Sparks talkin ish about him? Come on now man. AZ and Mega woulda slayed these cats and Nas would be the billionaire boy instead of Jigga. History.
AZ and Mega is cool with Jay Z so that beef probably would have never have happened. AZ even went to the same high school as hov in Brooklyn. Nas would never make a billion because he lacks mainstream appeal, big hit making ability, and charisma and he is just too weird. AZ and Mega are better than Nas but they also lack hits. Jayz should have signed Mega to the Roc back in the day.
You almost made a sense but that ‘weird’ quip make you appear suspect.
Oh yeah, executive produced by the Doctor
Yo, this is a 5 mic classic. Whoever did the rating is buggin.
Easily the best Hip Hop album of the year.
Too preachy to be and album of the year. The substance is redundant and some of the beats are lackluster. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib’s Pinata got that spot.
No “Thoughtful King” has that spot of #AOTY
surely Phaaroahe Monch’s PTSD deserves that title.
Why argue when you love them all? I’ve been involved with hip-hop for well over half of my life… in my day there *WAS NO ALBUM OF THE YEAR.* that’s an industry construct designed to keep y’all bickering on the internet and generating click-based revenue.
This is why the dialog sample at the beginning of GZA’s “Duel of the Iron Mic” will remain relevant forever.
The comments about megas voice seem a bit hypocritical, half the young cats spittin sound like they’ve got their nuts in a vice. Damn he’s 41 tho makes me feel old as a muhfucka, one love to authentic hip hop of th golden age.an to the new cats comin in respect the art form or get the fuck outta here
Best album of the year!
Mega Philosophy is arguably Cormega’s most pensive effort yet but the subject matter and its articulation is not exactly original or personal. Damani Nkosi’s Thoughtful King was more successful at this. The album feels like a lecture rather than a conscience critique. Large Professor keeps it minimalist and somewhat soulful it definitely complements Mega’s delivery and enunciates his lyrics. 4 stars.
Wow….well said
Album i would be listening to after some years too, for sure. Wouldn’t expect less from Cormega though! Been waiting for this and i’m glad Mega didn’t disappoint me!
Large Pro gave Mega a couple bangers on this, no doubt. But best believe he saves his illest shit for when that caller ID reads NAS…
This is new hot music/lyricism real Hip Hop. I got this album and its like that. for real hip hop lovers only
Classic
hands down the best rap album of 2014
ill
eh
Real dope
MEGA!
That QDIII reference was on point echoing Keth Murray ‘s ” And you fools on them DVD’s waving tools/No that ain’t something that a gangsta do”. None of these idiots who appeared in that crockumentary would have done anything ‘street’ plus they got pimped. Nuff said.
extra p and mega ooze chemistry, creativity, and hip-hop
it’s fantastic
Very dope
Only sad thing is this album & others will get next to 0 sales. Shame
the album wil get sales on undergroundhiphop.com its been the number 2 top seling album for about two months. so its doin alright
fave alb of the year
Jeden z najlepszych albumw 2014 roku. Szkoda e tak niedoceniony przez fanw Hip Hop’u.
…… perfect !!
Masterpiece! Support real Hip Hop!
3/5
4/5
Masterpiece. A New York rapper remaining true to form. No gimmicks, no fake southern accents, just beats and rhymes. A classic album is either groundbreaking or one of superior quality. This falls into the later category.
4
4/5