The West Coast native has certainly made a name for himself in the underground scene. Although Abstract Rude & Tribe Unique are overshadowed on Battle Axe by their commercially successful partners Swollen Members, they do reap the benefits of opportunity and more importantly some solid production.
“Showtyme!” sets the tone early with probably the smoothest and also one of the best tracks on the album with “Stand & Deliver”, the light guitars and pianos make this a guaranteed chill tune. Continuing the better half of the album is another solid track “All Day”. Kia Kadiri makes a fantastic vocal appearance on hook of “Before We Gone”. The guests on the album fit seamlessly and give the listener to subtle variety that makes an entire album unique enough to stand on it own. A failed collaboration comes not by the vocals by Aceyalone but by the beat that he works with on “What Tyme Iz It”. Production-wise the better half of the album seems to end with the next highlight, the Rob The Viking produced “Get Live”, which features the Swollen Members.
It seems as if the album winds down about half way through and only average tracks, production wise, and at some points lyrically. Not even more vocals by Kia can save the dull “In Nevada”, nor can a slew of guest pick up the pace of the weak “Flow & Tell”. However all is not lost as hope for a flourishing finish is picked up with the terrific “She’s Always Home”, a funky backdrop with the production invites the listener to follow the relationship of the story in the lyrics. Instead of rejuvenating the record it proves to be the last highlight as the next songs fail to deliver much emotion or vibe back into the mix.
This indeed is an album of two halves; a very promising opening that is diminished by a lackluster ending. All in all for Abstract Rude fans, his vocals style will always suffice making this an enjoyable album. It’s obvious that the potential to make a terrific album is there with the unique voice and style of Rude, it’s just a matter of getting the right feel for solid production throughout, so surely the entire Axe lineup will be strong in 2004.
