LAMF Album Review
Rheteric: an Emcee From LA Who Deserves to Reach the Top
Accomplishments
It's good to see that California is doing something right. Originally from New York, this L.A.-based emcee has made quite a name for himself. Wrecking the almighty microphone for over ten years, he's shared stages with such greats as Aceyalone, Busdriver, Lyrics Born, Atmosphere and Murs (to fire a few off of his quite lengthy list).
To top it off, this ferocious artist has toured with the likes of such underground veterans as 2MEX, Busdriver and Nocando. If for some reason his track record isn't convincing enough, just listen to his newest project L.A. is for Mother****ers! (What Would Pookie Do?)- LAMF for short. This is one Dominican who refuses to fit the mold when it comes to...well, anything.
The Sounds of LAMF: Track By Track
With only six tracks gracing L.A. is for Mother****ers!, there is no room for fillers, "biting," or giving anything less than 100%. Does Rheteric know this? Absolutely. Beginning with the Johnny 5 produced "Reverse Engineering," it is apparent that this emcee is one of a kind.
Utilizing rapid fire rhymes and an aggressive, aggravated delivery over reliable drum patterns and the occasional churning guitar riff, it's a great way to introduce listeners to his super-charged and super-ballsy style.
Moving on to the title track, the insanity and intensity only continues. Firing off on everything from the city itself to not-so-legit rappers (complete with their "fake New York accent!"), he does not hold back. Of course, with lines such as: "Making me feel like I'm an unknown sperm donor when I'm on stage/ You don't know who the **** you're looking at but you were glad that I came," there is much wit to be found here.
Now, here comes the fire starter; the song that actually drove an angry crowd member to send a bottle flying at his head: "The Mythology of Rape." Sure, the queasy bass line ushers in beginning lines asking such things as "Have you ever raped a woman?," but the tables are turned fast and hard. Once the song is done and over with, the rape victim in this story turns out to be none other than Rheteric himself. Talk about a twist ending (take that M. Night Shyamalan!)
Switching gears to a more political front, "The Basis of Morale" is a frantic, electronic affront to the heartless attitude of industrialism. Barely cracking the two-minute mark, this rebel yell is short and sweet. "Tender Loving Nothing," on the other hand, is an exclamation of dysfunctional relationship patterns and the inability to love. Feeling cheery yet?
To top off such a crazy, frenzied journey is an inside look at the apocalyptic state of downtown Los Angeles. "Skyscraper Cemetery" is a testimony to the fact that it is loved- despite it being so messed up. Smog, politicians, addicts, transgenders; there is just about nothing left out of this one.
Verdict
L.A. is for Mother****ers! (What Would Pookie Do?) isn't for everyone. While those too attached to what radio stations are pushing may not find what they were looking for in Rheteric's unafraid, highly unique songs, others might be downright offended. That being said, it's only real danger and/or flaw is that it may be prone to go over the heads of many listeners. Than again, isn't that true of all great art?
