We Are – Volume 1- Uncommon Records (Compilation)
by CyPhEr777
Compilations are a great way to peep what’s new, innovative and cutting edge. With that said, Uncommon blesses us with “We Are-Volume 1.” What I love about this compilation is that each track fits perfectly like pieces of a beautiful puzzle. Much thought was put into this project from puzzle masters Nasa and Cirrus (Presence). This is a showcase of some of the talent not only on the label but, globally. Many of the featured artists have material out there, even before this compilation but, never received the attention they should have gotten. Case in point, Stacs of Stamina, have put out a couple of fantastic releases and singles but have never gotten the buzz they deserve.
Another underexposed artist is K the I???, who is notoriously known in the underground as one of the illest emcees on the circuit. Vyle, another talented contender, always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and deserves props as well.
Nothing about this project is too spacey, but is more along the abstract, dark/gloomy and mechanical side. Like on the track “Iz the Wiz” featuring Centri, Stacs of Stamina and The Presence. The beat is dramatic and fits well with the emcees rhyming. And if this track sounds very live to you, then maybe because it actually is, with Nasa taking care of all the production. Add a dope horn sample to this and you get one of many great tracks.
Arcsin steps up with a sick instrumental called “88 Tusk Hammers.” Serene drum patterns are accompanied by melodic elements that seep through the madness, yet is a very therapeutic track. “We Are” continues its very huge aesthetic with the upbeat, all star cast in “Poison Left Under Your Pillow.” This is a “party” track that comes with a rugged and raw style. Each lyricist take turns spitting fire on this explosive posse cut. Politics is the topic at hand in “The Party” featuring Billy Woods. They say less is more and this is apparent with the beat produced again by Nasa. There’s just a muffled guitar-like loop with intricate sounds thrown in here and there. Ominous is what comes to mind when describing “The Party”.
The fun continues on “Cloak and Dagger” where Centri lyrically tears up this fun beat. Other tracks to feast your ears on are “Kool” by The Presence, “Hocus Pocus” featuring Avant Guard (K the I???, Nasa and DJ Shortrock), and the bubbly good instrumental “Fast as a Car” produced by Dig Dug. This isn’t a CD you can play at a party and, for the most part, just listening to the “Intro” will tell you everything you need to know about the rest of this project. Combine progressive beats with philosophical lyricism and you have a groundbreaking compliation.
Uncommon Records is more than a label just spitting out artists, it’s the revolution and evolution of music as a whole. Each emcee and producer, while previously creating a name for themselves, come together to sonically paint ill canvases. Support Uncommon visit online http://www.uncommonmusic.net/index.cfm
