Hesitation creeps in when I read about a concept album based on something like graffiti. Too many people have tried to base entire musical projects on things like this which don’t always merge well. However, when you read the list of featured artists on the “Graffit Kings” album, you’ll more than likely be impressed. Pete Rock, Chali 2na (Jurassic 5), Black Eyed Peas, Aceyalone, Swollen Members and many others headline this album. The inclusion of many west coast underground artists is refreshing rounds out the package.
Some of the best tracks are from relative-unknowns. A great example is BlameExile’s fantastic “Pair A Graffs”, one of the nicest tracks here on this album that features great inspired graffiti lyrics. Other notables include Awolone’s “Life”, which has to be heard, Swollen Members’ “Deep End”, and Supa Natural’s “Why”.
Instrumentals and some great interludes break up any monotony the album may have had with Daddy Kev’s “Bonus Beat”, and Will.I.AM.’s instrumental being two of the best. Special mention has to be said about the production on the album handled by Longevity. He comes through on the brilliant “Slave To The Rhythm” and on Darkleaf’s self-titled track with a crazy stop/start beats and obscure vocal samples. His production hand oversaw Aceyalone’s “Death Of A Salesman” which is very fresh track. This fellow is a real talent who could be on the verge if this album is any indication of his talents.
The artists compiled on this album have their own distinct styles already, and putting them all on one album could have potentially turned ugly – thankfully this is not the case. This project successfully contained them altogether under the same banner, without restricting artistic creativity. If you’re tired of the same old boom-bap being filtered through your stereo every day, pick this one up. “Graffiti Kings” is an impressive album, and possibly one of the best ‘concept compilations’ to come out in a long time.
