Knowledge Rhythm and Understanding Review

Knowledge Rhythm & Understanding Review

By: Lefthanded Bandit

            If you’re more than the casual rap fan, then you’ve probably heard the whole spiel of what “real” hiphop is and now that liking “real” hiphop has become a trend by these so called experts (casual listeners) you’re probably just as confused as I am some times. Nowadays it’s hard to go one day without hearing the word selling out; the taboo of all taboos in the show biz world.  While my opinion on that is another discussion all its own, my point is; aren’t you tired of the hiphop is dead discussion?  I know some times the songs on the radio get a little out of hand, but that’s all they are, just songs on a radio to whoo a very general, easy to please crowd.  One criticism I have of some modern day commercial hiphop is that it’s largely negative and all about putting others down (including the very listener who endorses it) so without further ado I’ve found a gem among common rocks.  Knowledge Rhythm and Understanding by Shaheed & DJ Supreme is a feel good album with the classic sounds of golden age hiphop and a touch of the new.  The best thing about the album is it embodies the elements that “HipHop Heads” take issue with a lot of contemporary rap not having.  Legend has it that one of the main functions of the Emcee is to reach and teach.  The art of emceeing is a craft just like the other elements of hiphop and it’s to be passed on to generation after generation so that it is forever innovated.  Knowledge Rhythm and Understanding is simply what the title implies; it’s an album where the artist transfers his knowledge to the listeners through rhythm so they can understand it.

            Shaheed & DJ Supreme is very reminiscent of rapper/dj duos like Gangstarr, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Eric B and Rakim, Scott LaRoc and KRS, etc. In my opinion they are like Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth fused with Gangstarr and a pinch or Eric B. and Rakim.  They have a DJ Premier sound with a C.L. Smooth-esque subject matter with the mic presence of Guru and the confidence of Rakim.  If you find nostalgia in the sounds of Jazz rap with thumping kicks and hard snares that make up that boom bap noise, then this is what you want to be listening to.  What set the beats aside from the above mentioned group are the very well placed samples. There’s a big difference between just looping someone’s lyrics and placing vocals and sounds over well crafted drums to create a new composition.  The album has a very classic sound, but it’s very relevant too.  You can tell that DJ Supreme is well versed in the musical world. I always find myself envious of DJ’s who have a library sized catalog of music in their head.  That style of production further pushes the concept of this album, because you just may get turned on to some music you never heard of just by listening to the samples; however you may find it difficult to track down where the samples came from because they are so a part of the beats that they make an entirely different product.  It’s not just a sample from some well known song in history serving the purpose of a remake; it’s more like a paying homage and rebirth.

            Lyrically the album does not disappoint.  Listening to Shaheed is like watching a tutorial on the basics of rocking a crowd or being a complete emcee.  He’s all about that education aspect of rapping. He mentions techniques like breath control, use of the tongue, and the throat frequently in his songs.  Shaheed’s music always sounds polished and honed.  There’s this level of diligence that seems to correspond with his lifestyle and into his music.  If you didn’t know Shaheed is a Muslim and a lot of the content in his music puts the listener on to his lifestyle and extinguishes a lot of the common stereotypes and misinterpretations of his beliefs.  His music is very clean and educational, but very intimate and personal at the same time. The album is not like a muslim gospel album if that’s what you’re thinking, Shaheed’s lyrics also consist of those metaphors and catchy punch lines we like to hear from time to time.  I did say he had the confidence of Rakim and it shows through that lyrical technique.

            Overall I think the album was well put together, right down to the album cover.  If you liked Linkin Park back in the day then you remember the Re-Animation and Meteora paper covers.  The album cover is very much like that. The paper is very crisp and sturdy with a simple typography style and a really dope picture of Shaheed and Supreme.  I have to say Big-up to Brian Azer of Et Cetera and the photographer Caleb Chauncey for putting together some amazing album artwork to entice those who bought the album. 

            Lastly, I want talk about my favorite part of the album.  I don’t do track by track analyses, because I feel that they take the mystery out of the album.  I also want to try to keep the review nice and concise and not go over two pages.  But I will mention one track because it is so near and dear to my heart and what I love most about emceeing.  My favorite song on the album was the last track “Keep Climbing”. It’s a great song, but my favorite part of the song is when DJ Supreme laid down a verse.  I love to see that in HipHop, because my favorite rapper is actually more known for his skills behind the boards and his name happens to be Pete Rock.  When an emcee and DJ come together and work interchangeably, it’s a beautiful thing. It reminded me of seeing C.L. Smooth taking the tables on “the Creator” song while Pete Rock spit his lines.

            If you’re reading this review, I think it’s time for you to cop this album.  You can get it at www.ughh.com which also has a deluxe edition with some extra downloadable treats on it as well as Itunes. If you're feeling that hiphop spirit, hop on it. Let me know how you feel about the album after you listen to it, email me at lefthandedbandit@gmail.com  PEACE!