May 2008 Reviews

Dizzee Rascal
Maths + English

By Tara Muldoon

Dizzee Rascal is letting go of all his inhibitions and speaking his mind on Maths & English. With a clever title — representing the least favourite but most essential school subjects — his wrath is felt as he speaks on the music industry, record labels and life in general. “Hard Back” represents this completely. “Da Feeling” is a sexy summer song in waiting and is a much-needed track on this album, but “Suk My Sik” is ridiculous. Luckily for Rascal, his sound is so unique and alluring that content won’t matter as much as how the bass sounds in your car. The highlight of the album is the weirdest/best collaboration “Where’s Da G’s,” with UGK. If you’re already a Rascal fan, pick this album up because he’s sounding stronger than ever. If you’re not already a fan, pick it up so you know what you’re missing. (XL)

Black Milk / Fat Ray
The Set-Up

By Tara Muldoon

Black Milk was 2007’s hip-hop darling and the media praised the producer/MC. Now in 2008, he has again delivered a standout product to those same open arms. The Set Up is Black Milk’s production and flow combined with Fat Ray’s baritone, representing Detroit’s legacy to the fullest. Don’t mistake the high quality of the production for a well-rounded album though — the lyricism falls flat in almost every song — but if you’re looking for something to kick back and enjoy, The Set Up has that sound. The best track is “Flawless,” with every other song also making that “best track” list. “Bad Man” featuring Guilty Simpson is crazy and the listener must resist the temptation to press repeat to move to the next track. One can only hope this is the Setup for even better projects. (MuSick)