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The resurrected are back again for the first time, and the newborn have arrived.
Several artists are re-emerging after a series of stumbles, while others walk with the excited hunger of the unknown. It would be selfish to restrict these gems to my personal roster of sound, so it is with Kanye-confidence that I expect a landslide of thanks after you cop albums from the following musicians.
Shop now for your “Welcome Back” cards, because it’s safe to say Common’s new album, “Be,” is going to fare better than 2002’s funky trip “Electric Circus.” His commercial appeal is now louder than the semi-success of “Like Water for Chocolate,” and while not yet deafening, everyone is talking. Most are grateful to hear the return to his lyrical roots in songs like “The Corner,” with its instantly pleasing, pounding beats (courtesy of Kanye) and everyman tales that fuel inspiration. The remix with Scarface and Mos Def leaves something to be desired, which is why some complain that the album is more formulaic than fiery. But haters be damned—if “Electric Circus” was the therapy he opted for, “Be” is the medicine we require.
After taking home the award for best female artist at the UK Hip Hop Awards three years in a row, Estelle has been recognized as a powerful and uplifting voice. She bounces with ease over soulful beats and unites lyricism with experimentation on her latest album, “The 18th Day.” Performances with Nas, Floetry, the Roots and many others have solidified her presence on both underground and mainstream levels. A burgeoning entrepreneur, Estelle also started a record label, Stellarents, which has released white labels, mixtapes and the records of artists she has signed.
Also across the pond is Shystie, a no-nonsense emcee with Twista-esque delivery. When dark, gully beats meet her challenging rhymes, you know it’s on. Her debut album, “Diamond in the Dirt,” marked the arrival of a fresh face with some serious rhyme power. Even before it dropped, Shystie gained attention from some of the biggest names in the business, from Dizzee Rascal and Basement Jaxx to 50 Cent. Her energized, occasionally controversial lyrics will certainly catch your ear and become a welcome addition to your music collection.
As the comic book villain of underground hip hop, MF Doom is on top right now. In a refreshing twist on branding, he sports a sci-fi inspired mask that reminds us of what matters: the music. His former days as Zev Love X may be over, but the renewed emcee has an entire assembly of work under a host of identities, including Viktor Vaughn, King Geedorah and Metal Fingers. The multiple personalities just may aid in the energy it takes to sustain the amount of music he’s produced in recent years. He is often comical and always creative, so here’s to a continuation.
The Platinum Pied Pipers are available for discovery via their debut release, “Triple P.” The Detroit duo may have a throwback soul vibe that is too mellow for rough heads, but with friends such as Jay Dee and SA-RA contributing, this is a futuristic hybrid of sound worth taking a chance on. Waajeed is a founding member of Slum Village and Saadiq is nothing short of a master musician, making their works full, warm and satisfying. The improvised, yet calculated beats and rhymes bring a shiver of essential energy that is addictive. Act like you know.
When it comes to new faces, it’s getting difficult to escape M.I.A. Her lyrics are underwhelming, but the co-production with Diplo on “Arular” is what unites the album. Take away the Internet hype and interesting-because-it’s-different background and she’s just Nelly Furtado jocking Björk. Since comparisons are limiting, I’ll wait for her official Interscope debut to see if her content can support another release without the fuel of an introduction. You do know the Doctor and his team inked a deal with her, right? Yeah, that Doctor.
Famfeud is a collection of seven producers who recently dropped their debut all-instrumental album, “Measures.” The beats are filthy and evoke a severe range of emotions that only a winter spent creating music in Minneapolis basements and bedrooms could generate. They emerge from the lab with a cocktail of strategic funk laced over a series of steady blows. The sound is so persistent that emcees are about to get real greedy. Definitely something to ride out to.
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