“You don’t innovate because you can’t innovate/it’s not a choice, despite what you might tell your boys.” El-P couldn’t have been more right; everyone can’t make innovative music, and even fewer can do it well. That being said, Lyrics Born can innovate, and he does it very well. The emcee formerly known as Asia Born is likely hip-hop’s only Japanese/Italian emcee. As an original member of the Quannum crew (known as Solesides back then), Lyrics Born released his first single way back in 1993. His solo career was put on hold when he teamed up with Lateef the Truth Speaker to form Latyrx and released “The Album” in 1997 to critical acclaim. The solo LP was always the plan, it would just be later that day…
The album kicks off on a stunning note with one of the year’s best songs, “Bad Dreams.” LB switches between rapping and singing over a crazy rap/rock/funk hybrid. While the female vocals on “Rise & Shine” may be irritating, the song is redeemed by Lyrics Born’s trademark delivery as he rips through his verse with breathtaking (and breathless) cadence. “Callin’ Out” keeps the funk alive with its groovy bass guitar and hand claps which LB rides like it has a saddle. By this point, the concept of the album is in full swing and LB’s day is continued with a phone conversation (“Cold Call”) with Gift of Gab and a pushy telemarketer (we’ve all been there).
LB complains against his own will on the insightful “Stop Complaining,” yet another eclectic offering that will keep the head nodding. The album reaches its apex as it rolls from the Cut Chemist blessed “Do That There” to the brilliant Latyrx cut that builds in a One Mic’ish fashion as Lyrics and Lateef trade head spinning bars. The third of the trio (word to the ‘Nuts) is the banging “Pack Up” which is the heaviest offering of hip-hop sensibilities. More unrefined funk from “Hott Bizness” turns into the dance hall inspired “Love Me So Bad,” which drives home LB’s ability to venture into any style and create something fresh.
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Since their inception the Quannum Crew has always been reliable for breathing fresh air into the oft-stale music landscape. Lyrics Born has done that and then some with “Later That Day…” Certainly not for the average, close-minded listener, LB dips into so many styles he will likely receive more acclaim outside of hip-hop circles for his eclectic opus.
7.5/10
