When one thinks of all the rap hotspots on the map Washington State probably won’t come to mind – something that Azarel is bent upon changing. On his self titled album Azarel, he delivers a medley of styles to appease all types of musical tastes. The result is that almost everyone will find something that they enjoy on Azarel, but some tracks inevitably come up short.
Azarel’s strength comes when flowing over retro funk-laden tracks like “Bringing It.” Many of the songs are moulded around a funk-based foundation and their upbeat energy inspires Azarel to increase his intensity. “Use Ya Mind” is one such song, in which Azarel lauds the one asset that most people take for granted. Even when the funk is absent he rises to the occasion on the stellar, bassy “Strugglin” and the piano laced “This Year.” The crowning moment of the disc comes on the laid-back, feel good vibe “U&I (Unity)” with its tricked out synthesizer effects. Here, as in many other occasions throughout the album Azarel delivers his brand of consciousness, this time focusing on the benefits of togetherness. Although the music is powerful on all the aforementioned tracks it’s when Azarel delves into darker territory that he falters. “Usual Suspects” and various other occasions throughout the disc have a malicious edge to them that at times contradicts the conscious messages that make up the majority of Azarel’s sermons. The beats in “Smile A Little” and “NW Funk” fall flat, and the rhymes that accompany them don’t fare much better.
Azarel definitely has a few head nodders that are worthy of a listen with some lapses are interspersed amongst these. The lighter, funky tracks show that Azarel certainly does have promise.
