Visionaries - Pangaea REVIEW
The Visionaries - Pangaea REVIEW: B+
I've had this CD sitting in the car for awhile -- actually haven't listened to it in awhile -- My initial impressions were that this was some pretty cool, pass the mic, uplifting independent rap -- the third effort from The Visionaries from LA
One of the two most noticeable things about the album is the topics and the effective use of the semi-old school, extended flow, pass the mic group rap style
This CD won't be accused for brevity or shortness -- in fact most of the tracks are north of 4 minutes -- TV makes extensive use of the extended flow style, pass the mic around style -- it has a style like the old GMF and SH Gang days, where the rhythm ran and everyone brought their own flow to the mic
It was interesting to me because most of the extended flow style has traditionally had a party or upbeat style -- TV brings forth a politically aware style that seeks to socially and spiritually uplift -- I have heard them compared as a West Coast Wu -- well, that's not too far from the truth, but don't think these guys are Wu Junior -- they bring something new and fresh in this CD
Pangaea and Strike are really strong opening tracks to the CD -- Pangaea is has a utopian flow that brings forth the concept over human unity with no boundaries -- Strike has a classic stripped down feel with the flow going over a simple piano riff, bass line, and high hat
The beat is blended with a lot of So Cal musical influences, DoMakeSayThink incorporates a Mariachi style riff in the beat -- I think its pretty cool that groups like TV and Ozomatli are making really cool music that fuses aspects of cultural life in LA in a unique package -- we like WAR a lot, so it's cool to see this renaissance from LA
I could go on about each track and their unique tasty beats -- yes, this is a tasty hip hop CD -- there's so much to like, and you will probably be hooked after one listen (much like I was) -- Believe It, If You Can't Say Love, V-Peat, Nine Elevan,
The West Coast has been built on a certain image and rap style largely in the 90s -- it's nice to see positive hip-hop emerge from the LA scene -- that also has a relevant political message about society -- the beats and loops are very smooth and ambient/atmospheric, well produced
And you may be surprised as I was to learn that the members were multicultural in their background -- Mexican, two Filipinos, Japanese, Black, and White -- it's amazing what can come out of such a collaboration of people from different groups
Highly recommended for anyone -- if you have even a moderate interest in interesting underground/independent hip hop, this one is a must buy