I wrapped Pharaohs into bandages and had them crying for their mummies

That line is from one of the deffest def poets around; Kayo. I saw this cat perform here in the Bean awhile ago and just recently caught a repeat of his HBO performance. I'm only going to quote just that one quip from his poem because although it is dope beyond describale words, I'll let you read it and let it sink in for yourself. While you digest that, I'm going to go ahead and say the The Minstrel Show may damn well be the best album of the year. And believe me, I really do not enjoy jocking anyone's nutsack, but it is miraculous what these dudes have done with the entire concept. With rumors of d!ckhead backlash, I hope they do in fact get some major airplay and are able to share their music with a larger audience.

I got so many rhymes, many styles to go with
And my competition all the while be hoping
That I quit bringing the pain like i-bu-profen
I can't, dog
Can't you see that the crowd is open
I mean, mouths is open
Hands in the air
Just so aroused and focused
This is a movement, nigga
It's bigger than show biz
This is how I live it
I love hip-hop
I just hate the niggas in it
-Phonte, "Say It Again"

I think I'm gonna have to get back to writing album reviews and give it a thorough dissection. James Mayo of the Denver Westword got it right. David Jakubiak of the Chicago Sun-Times kinda got it, but didn't really cover the album at all. Plus, it seems the Westword is Denver version of the Boston Phoenix, who need to represent right about now. Hopefully, local homegirl Renee Graham will be able to step it up a notch and come correct with mention of the fellas (and maybe even an album or concert review but that would be asking for a lot from the Globe so let's not get ahead of ourselves, potna). But let's just say that we already know that Lovin It is the bomb-diggedy. The track listing consists of 17, with 12 songs and a good six* of those songs are straight gems. Bonafide heat-rocks that I will have to commit to memory verbatim by Saturday. Fuq a GRE. This is my graduate degree.

Sometimes I don't think casual observers really understand it when someone notes that an emcee 'spits that real hip-hop.' Naturally, there are different strokes for different folks; so interpretations are bound to vary based on experience and perception. But there are times when you cannot ignore the integrity of the spoken word when it is commited to the public with such humility and honesty. 'Tis true that we all have our gimmicks, and LB does flip the script to come at you in their own unique way, as they should. But damn, son. If you have a minute, take a listen to All For You. This shT came through the speakers and I had to pull over. 'WTF did he just say' was heard repeatedly. And mind you, I didn't get to this track (#12) until about 2am. It brought to mind many of the thoughts I shared a few weeks back about the midget and Big Red (his old-school nickname dating back to the afro he used to rock back in the day). Sometimes the most innocent of things can touch a nerve.

* The Eight Ridiculously Blazing Tracks

• Beautiful Morning
• The Becoming
• Not Enough
• Slow It Down
• Lovin It [video link]
  
• All For You
• Say It Again
• Watch Me