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.