Killah Priest: Heavy Mental

I will limit this review of KP to simply the first album Heavy Mental as his subsequent albums never really were as dope as I would like them to be. Perhaps, this is the sophomore curse, in KP's case it couldn't be more true.

All of that aside, the first KP album is full of hot, hot-fire. Not the usual cold fire that you may be used to, but hot ones.

The subject matter ranges from astral plane space traveling, to theology, to Eastern mediation, to the destruction of fake MCs. There are plenty of signature RZA beats with 10 commandments samples replacing the typical kung-fu fare. It is worth noting that KP is not just spitting some random shit with a few references thrown in fopr filler; each song is a fully developed and educational peice of music.

Not only is the subject matter fresh as fruit from the first farmers market of the month, there are some interesting tracks that break the norms of typical Hip Hop. The title track uses a digerydoo (sic) as KP rides a drumless beat. B.I.B.L.E. which was originally found on the GZA's album Liquid Swords, takes a stab at Christian hypocracy and the European hijacking of the religion. So, shit is real serious. More serious than Carig Mack.

Then there are other tracks that are just purely dope Hip Hop songs. Case in point: Fake M.C.s. Take a Coltrane and Ellignton loop, add a couple of diss rhymes, apply a touch of coldness that is the vioce of KP, and teh result is more delicious than a chocolate pudding pie from the Williams wholesale bakery (yum! (ow! my stomach lining!)).

I once saw KP in concert. It was in Phoenix. KP was rediculous. Actually, he was a lot of fun. I had this image in my mind that he would be all mad and pissed, but he came on stage with a very opena nd friendly disposition. He had a good show, talked to the fans, took requests, and stayed afterwords to kick it and network. Good times.

Basically, I hope KP can once return to the seat of acclaim that I have placed his first album on. For Heavy Mental, I give it a 999,998/1,000,000.

Deep Cover

Fishburn + Goldbloom = Fantastic!

That is the equation that we're working with. The screen sizzles when these two are on. Mostly Fish though.

This 1992 crime thriller is one of my favorites. Bill Duke (of Predator, commando and Menace II Society - "you know you f**ked up" fame) directs the story of a under cover, or deep cover if you will, agent -played by Fishburn - who gets so deep into the LA drug dealing game that he comes to a rather nihilistic conclusion...or does he????

The movie is dope. There are alot of twists and shit that people who like thrillers like. What I like most about it though is the script and performance by Fishy. There are a number of narrations that slip into delightfully grim poetic offerings. What's more, they should remove the chain that was one attached to the soundtrack, because it just came off the afore mentioned chain. Dr. Dre does provide the classic "Deep Cover" for the credits, and while the movie will be remembered for this seminal track, it is the interludes that set the mood for setting ranging from the club to the crackhouse.

Some notable performances come from the supporting cast. Roger Guenveur Smith (who is excellent in everything) plays Eddie, the sinner against number five of the 10 Crack Commandments: "don't get high on your own supply."

Clarence Williams III also lends a hand as the preachy detective. You know this guy is also the truth in everything he has touched. ou might remember him as Kalinka from I'm Gonna Get U Sucka; that was hilarious. Or as Dave Chappelle's nemesis in Half Baked; hilarious as well??? YES!

The last most favourite performance came form the buff crack dealer with the Cadillac medallion. I think this is Erik Kilpatrick. The dopest thing about this character is that he has soem white girl cheuphurng him around in a drop Mercedes 500, while he spouts Schwartzenegger catch phrases ("I'll be back" and "Hasta la vista") before he shoots people.

So, yes, overall this movie is awesome. Check it out and you won't be dissappointed. The score is 1,000,000/1,000,000.

I Can Feel It!