There’s an undeniable dustiness to Large Professor’s aptly titled return, Professor @ Large. Fundamental drums that sound as if they were initially tapped out on a kitchen table are littered throughout. Aggressive delivery that’s seemingly a Golden Era Hip Hop requirement in tow. Pick an adjective: nostalgic, vintage, throwback. On nearly every level, Professor @ Large sounds as if it could’ve been crafted in the early 1990s.
Long time Large Pro fans will appreciate PAL. He puts his classic credentials on display immediately on the BBoy-ready opener, “Key To the City.” He discloses his unwavering Hip Hop addiction on “Kick The Habit,” which is absolutely an album standout. “Focused Up” (featuring Tragedy Khadafi and Cormega) feels ready made for an early DJ Clue mixtape. “Straight From The Golden” (featuring Busta Rhymes) is not only PAL’s illest offering, but also the most likely to appeal to the Millennial generation, right next to “M.A.R.S.” (featuring Cormega, Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, and Saigon). Bussa Bust unleashes the LP’s seemingly lone untouchable verse, and “Large ProTools'” relentless back drop could’ve been designed for the soundtrack to an Incredible Hulk rampage.
PAL is an extremely focused listen. Possibly too focused. Sure, any boom bap laced foray down Hip Hop memory lane is expected to include throwback sensibilities. But Large Pro’s unfortunate combination of apathetic drums and limp wrist punchlines poke major holes in replay value. Johnny Storm/”Flame on…” references, for example, are at least 16 years past compelling. Lines like “My life is high profile like Meki Phife…” might’ve connected in 2002 when 8 Mile first dropped, but even that’s a doubtful assumption. Too often, PAL is lyrically frustrating.
Even with it’s short comings, Large Professor’s latest is still an enjoyable 49 minutes. Maybe it’s how the Fran Drescher shout out and the Superfly Jimmy Snuka allusion harken to a Hip Hop pre-supreme corporate consolidation, or his endearing emphasis on “rappity-raps.” Maybe it’s it’s undeniable Summertime appeal. Regardless, Professor @ Large revels in the blueprint Large Pro helped design, offering brief shots of growth or progressiveness. And somehow that’s just fine.
4/5 for me. What’s too focused, dense? I don’t think so at all.
Main Source was a better album, but this is certainly better than some of the recent 4’s… Oddisee, REKS, etc.
Well-written reveal. Word.
well-written review as always.
glad to see this and del’s album reviewed, still need to give this a few more listens before i rate it
I agree with 3 1/2 – 4 stars.
It is the, not “it’s it’s”.
Yeah, great review.
One of Largo Pro’s better albums…Good overall production and solid lyrics throughout.
Extra P!
Very dope listen 4.5/5. What the fuck is too focused?
Instant classic man! Feels amazing to listen to that record!
Dope Album. Back to the basics. Love it Extra P. I think it was over analized of a review. We old cats reference back to the days so what is wrong with LP referencing some throwback type rhymes? I was not offended in anyway. Light years is my favorite Track right now.
best album of the year.
I respect Large P but come on it aint 1990 but 2012 switch up your style or leave rap alone.
for the dumbasses i aint a ymcb, g unit or rick ross fan.
what`s up with all you people claiming he should change his sound? I heard the same stupid type of comments at the review of Primo & Bumpy Knuckles album. Why these legends, who created and crafted a unique sound that all hip hop heads around the world love, should change his fucking sound?
I mean, if you want to listen to something different, go listen to something different. I like listening to all kinds of hip hop, but people, please stop writing these type of stupid comments. Legends are legendes, boom bap is boom bap, true hip hop is true hip hop. Peace!
No doubt. Id rather see the vets make the type of music that they are good at rather than try to adapt to modern trends. Thats usually when older artists fail. Did you expect to see Large Professor feat Drake and Rick Ross?
and who are you too give advice bitch?
TRASH
and…you’re a fag who knows nothing.
Come P it ain’t 1996 anymore. What about a new sound??????
what`s up with all you people claiming he should change his sound? I heard the same stupid type of comments at the review of Primo & Bumpy Knuckles album. Why these legends, who created and crafted a unique sound that all hip hop heads around the world love, should change his fucking sound?
I mean, if you want to listen to something different, go listen to something different. I like listening to all kinds of hip hop, but people, please stop writing these type of stupid comments. Legends are legendes, boom bap is boom bap, true hip hop is true hip hop. Peace!
what new sound? todays mainstream hip hop? paleeeez! 90s hip hop is on its way back muthafuka!
What a dope album and this was a well “written” review but take a listen for yourself… if you sleep on fire you’re gonna get burnt. Light Years, Live Again, Kick Da Habit, LP Surprise and plenty of dope interludes. Shit is tight, get on it
well if it ain’t broken,don’t fix it…Good one P.
I love this album. As a whole, it has a nice feel to it and while it has some throwback qualities, this album sounds like it belongs in 2012. It gets better with each listen in my humble opinion. @Germ Breath, I actually think this album is better than “Main Source”, which I dug as well. I agree with your rating of 4/5 though.
This album is funking dope! This is what someone that grew up in this era/ style music wants to hear! NO one should flip there shit switch up any thing I’m in my mid 30zzz and want to listen to this dope shit and the stuff these motherfuckers made in the 90. And 80 do you and shake and jive and swag to your hearts content!!!!WOrd tha FUNK uP!!!!
I agree, this album has a mid nineties vibe but thats what true hip hop heads want to hear & also what Large wanted them to hear. Sick of the garbage crap that comes out these days with barely any rhyme capability. This album deserves a 4.5/5, also if you listen to Nas’s new album there is a couple tracks with that mid 90’s flava.
Boom Bap for life. Rated worse than BIG Krit and Kool Keith? Those albums are garbage! LOL You deaf muhfuckas obviously do not recognize anything real..
Much respect to true legend!
Ayy dont get it twisted.. I love boom Bap Rap.. i grew up in that Era.. Typa nigga that went and bought albums from the store and styll got em, without no weeed busted on em haha.. but I dont fuck with large professor.. sumthin about manz sound cheesy, not beleivable.. I props em cuz he been around, since way back but, Stick to producin’ Bruh.. 2Stars.
Be reasonable, commenters
LP is dope. Wish I lived in Flushing.
Great!
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IF YOU STRUGGLING WITH THAT CREDITT HISTORY ISHH, GET RID OF ALL DAT TODAY – CALL THESE PEEPS AT 8^8^8-9-2-7 -3-3-5-6. . THEY DO AMAZING WORK AND THEY ARE CHEAP AS FUQQ. GOT RID OF ALL MY SHYYT IN NO TIME.
MY HOMEBOY WAS IN THE GUTTA TOO, AND HE CLEANER THAN ME NOW-gettin a condo!!
Hit em up – THEY WILL HELP U!!
3.5 LOL…if this site ever had any credibility it is officially gone. THIS ALBUM IS A FUCKING MASTERPIECE. 4.5 out of 5 it would be a perfect 5 but I wasn’t really digging the instrumental tracks.
this is one of large pros illist albums typical large professor dope beats dope lyrics dope guests thats why this cat is still around he sticks to the damn script and he never sold out all u young pop tart fruit of the loom ass artists need to listen to this album and learn how to make a real album u dont have to do what everyone else is doing thats y hip hop is so im balanced is wack because no body wants to make a classic all artist wanna make is half hass bull shit albums just to say they got a album out im a old school head and im gonna be one till i die anybody dont like it can suck a dick and stick to your corny drake 2 chains french montana bullshit
More niggas giving the name a 5/5 instead of the album
Been a fan since Breaking Atoms, this one aint the move, stop giving out passes based on past work
3/5
“Maybe it’s it’s undeniable Summertime appeal”
Step your proof-reading game up, Company Man.
The grammar is just fine.
At First i did not like the album.after bumping it a few times i am digging it.heavy rotation here large.
man first ttime hearing this dude.. DOPE!
album is a breathe of fresh air and well put together although a little cheesy at moments but give him props for holding down the production and the rhymimg. cant beleive the new alchmist got a full star more than this??? this album is straight up groovin and it thumps.
4/5 right here.
“But Large Pro’s unfortunate combination of apathetic drums and limp wrist punchlines poke major holes in replay value” you have courage to say this, huh? You haven’t got a proper idea about music. What’s your problem? This is one of the freshest work in 2012 if you consider tons of garbage out there. Seriously, how dare you to say these things?
I guess your brain blew out when you listen to this masterpiece. That could be reasonable to write this kinda shitty review about this ill album. You know what I’d bought the CD and now I’m buying his vinyl too bcuz of the fools like you. Support real artists my brothers.
Peace out!