Although comprised essentially with unknown and up-and-coming artists, executive producers De La Soul are poised to school the rap community on the fundamentals with Hip Hop 101, the first compilation released by Tommy Boy Black Label. The year old rap imprint has assembled some of the newest and most innovative MCs and producers on 101, resulting in a catalog that is high in concept, broad in scope and true to the art form.
The styles displayed on this release are eccentric to say the least, and it seems as if De La Soul were sleeping on the production process of 101. The album sounds pieced together without any connection or overarching theme which makes the overall feel of the album inharmonious. But then, it's not a mix tape, and the individual tracks presented here have their roots firmly planted in the soil of hip-hop's underground.
101 is 14-tracks deep, each featuring an artist with their own distinctive rap styling and flow, backed with original, head-banging instrumentals. Whether it's a rookie, such as the opener with Self Scientific ("Best Part"), to veteran hip-hop heads like De La Soul ("So Good," featuring Camp Lo), the intelligent lyrics and accomplished production is evident on each track.
The surprise standout among the many stellar songs is "Pockets," a story told by Medina Green, who, on this particular day, is having a conscience battle with his right and left jean pockets. Both pockets have a distinct personality that raps and sings on the track, which puts an entirely new and humorous outlook on the question of how to fill your pockets.
With no big name artists, flashy album covers or overplayed singles, Hip Hop 101 is Tommy Boy's valiant attempt at bringing the underground to the mainstream. This offer has strong individual tracks, skilled MCs rapping over fresh beats and no unnecessary intros, skits or fillers. It's straight to the point, and the lessons taught on 101 are clear: round-up some talented rappers with something to say (other than how much money they've got) and get a DJ and a beat going, and you've got yourself hip-hop in it's purest form.
It would be wise to consider giving this album a listen. If not, it may result in detention.
