Customer Reviews

Bayani

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Seattle-based Asian-American rap duo Blue Scholars dropped their third release, "Bayani," on the reincarnated Rawkus Records this year, and it is one of the best hip hop albums of 2007. This was my introduction to the group and I must say I was impressed. They reflect my perception of their beloved home city as forward-thinking, peaceful, clean, liberal, artistic, thoughtful, and educated. Geologic and Sabzi have a definite chemistry, and the result is a special album.

The first thing that jumps out is Sabzi's excellent production. Although his beats do possess the slightly mechanical quality commonly seen in today's underground hip hop, his beats are frequently beautiful. His dense, layered beats maintain a consistent tempo and vibe. They're smooth, soulful, and peaceful, and despite their high quality they never really grapple for the listener's ear with the lyrics. This is a sign of great chemistry. The instrumentation is wonderful and it seems like each beat fits each verse so well. Sabzi has a great ear for piano lines, and many of his productions are built around a nice keyboard line.

Geologic took a little getting used to for me, but I came to love his performance too. A proud son of Filipino immigrants, he has so much to talk about and makes for a compelling rapper. He grew up in military housing and maintains a political agenda through most of his verses. He often speaks of the struggles of an American immigrant and the problems resulting from racism in our society. He stays relevant throughout the album. Besides this, he has a gift for lyricism, and many of his verses come across as poetic. His rhyme structure and references are artistic and clever. His delivery is a bit slow and monotonous. I sometimes wish he'd very up his flow a little to show some more emotion. Sometimes he sounds a bit awkward on the mic, but he takes himself very seriously and is really effective. A little more swagger could do him good, but for the political and social purposes of this album he accomplishes his task excellently.

After the "Baha'i Healing Prayer (Intro)," the album opens with "Second Chapter," a short introductory track where Geologic drops some brief wisdom over a flute-laden beat. "Opening Salvo" assesses a social culture and its ways, with simple, midtempo production. "North By Northwest" has pumping, soulful horn fanfare on an upbeat track, representing their frequently overlooked region and hip hop scene. On the next song, Sabzi lays down some classy and catchy piano chords, and Geologic maintains his status as just an "Ordinary Guy" despite his occupation. Without a doubt my favorite song is "Still Got Love," possibly my favorite song of 2007. Sabzi and Geologic both lend their finest performances on this song. Sabzi's production is incredible: a loopy synthesizer line weaves in and out of a tight horn-laden arrangement, and his percussion and bass instrumentation is perfect. At the end, a gorgeous trombone solo kicks in, just cementing this song's musical perfection. Geologic's verses emit an optimistic philosophy, expressing love towards friends, even those who haven't shown love. The hook is great and so are his rhymes: "Not everybody talks, but everybody lies / Not everybody lives, but everybody dies..." The song is nearly seven minutes long, but you still won't want it to end. "Bayani" again looks at an American lifestyle, but doesn't so much point out its problems as simply observes. "Loyalty" has smooth, soulful production, and "Fire for the People" has thumping beats and relevant lyricism. The creeping beat of the "Xenophobia (Interlude)" gives way to "The Distance," an ode to the struggle, strive, and work ethic of the modern immigrant. The effective anti-war statement of "Back Home" ("So the next time you see recruiters in your school or your crib / Tell 'em thank you for the offer, but you'd rather you lived") nicely complements the subtle appeal of "50 Thousand Deep," a catchy call for a quiet revolution. "Morning of America" is simply powerful, covering many facets of American life from the media to politics and basically everything Geo saw growing up, all in one sweeping and flawless stride. The album closes with perhaps the most beautiful song of all, "Joe Metro." Geologic takes the listener to the inside of a Seattle subway car, and notes the way the different races and classes interact, observing a need for change.

"Bayani" is artistic and beautiful hip hop music. I look forward to hearing more from this duo in the future. They are a talented act with something important to say and a message that should be heard. They are unique in their quest and skill, and hopefully the hip hop community at large will embrace them and appreciate them on a large scale.

At only the seven-month mark of the year, I feel very comfortable hailing "Bayani" as one of the best hip-hop albums of 2007. If you haven't yet discovered the prowess of Geologic (rhymes), and Sabzi (beats), let me be the first to tell you that you are missing out. The bond between the two is inseparable. They create a unity that is often rightly compared to that of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, or DJ Premier & The Guru. That sounds far-fetched, but these two really have all the tools, passion, and soul to live up to these legends.

The Blue Scholars bring their strongest work to the table for their most anticipated album of their still-growing career - "Bayani". Geologic stepped up his rhymes from the last two albums nicely. His lyrics are more focused and concise than before. It's pure poetry filled with some of the most outstanding political and socially consciousness in hip-hop today. He is arguably the most intelligent protest rapper to come along in the past 5 years. But on the other hand, as track 5 exemplifies, they are just "Ordinary Guys". The statements made aren't overtly political, and can be respected by most anyone besides your right wing extremists.

Sabzi has also really grown over the course of the last 2 albums. His production is jammed packed with ideas just as fresh as Geologic's rhymes. I have always loved Sabzi's production, as it's always been very soulful and unique from the norm, even in underground circles. He's nearly today's equivalent of DJ Premier. His timing is ridiculously on-point, and it seems his soundscapes have their very own stream of consciousness. He brings a lot of emotion to the table with only the beats, it makes the album feel that much more personal. All the production is kept in-house, and handled by Sabzi, which is nearly unheard of nowadays.

The Blue Scholars have been one of my favorite groups since I saw them perform live with Zion I in Minneapolis right after the "Long March EP" was released (also essential material!). Their live show still stands as one of my favorite hip-hop shows I have ever seen (and I've seen close to 60). The duo was so tight together; Sabzi would even do the back-up vocals to all their songs. Their unity was, and still is just incredible.

Overall, The Blue Scholars have created an album that will stand the test of time. It's also incredible that after only two underground releases under their belt, that "Bayani" was picked up by Rawkus Records. The quality of the record can only heighten their respect as they are finally getting a shot at some major distribution. The Blue Scholars have been blowing up from day one, and they will continue to do so. Be sure to peep out what may be the best hip-hop album of 2007.

During this time of watered down hip hop and ring tone albums, Blue Scholars "Bayani" is definitely a breath of fresh air. People, this is what hip hop is supposed to sound like. Tight production, strong lyrics, and great beats make this my favorite album in the last couple of years. If you love hip hop then you need to cop this. If you don't love this then your either 15 years old or you aren't a true hip hop head. Just pop this cd in and let it ride, you don't need to hit the skip button. GREAT EFFORT!

Blue Scholars at their best! An incredible album that deserves national attention. If you're thinking of purchasing this album do it! This is hip hop with meaning and a real sound. Some personal favorites from the album include Morning For America, Still Got Love, North By Northwest, Fire For The People, but to truly experience the full affect you must listen to the album face to face, which is easy as it's easily one of the best albums to come along in quite some time. Keep up the good work Blue Scholars!

Albums like this are the reasons why I'll never give up on real hip-hop. Today's over-crowded market of clone Rappers and their reliance on image and gimmicks its so refreshing to hear a Group that goes beyond that and stands on its own with no guest Producers or Lyricists...Imagine that.

Here's an album that speaks on current and relevant issues without preaching. Geologic's flow is relentless yet calm accompanied by Sabzi's Production which is unique and matches the content in each track. This is an album your going to play top to bottom, over and over.

Also note they have another album and a EP, both great.

Such a good album. This stuff is real hip hop, with real flow, real beats, and a real meaning. Blue scholars own the hip hop scene in Seattle and are taking it in the right direction.

I have become unamused by hip-hop/rap these days however Bayani reintroduced me to what rap can be. Simple beats and lyrics that speak for themselves. I am beginning to believe in the midwest/west coast shift after hearing Brother Ali from Milwaukee and Blue Scholars from Seattle. They have very poignant ideas that give an intellectual and clear voice to many of the problems rap could address but fails to with its tendency towards extremes. It also addresses problems with racism I myself find to be affluent in today's society. Namely, the fact that it is no longer institutional but a veiled social problem that people continuously ignore. I often feel like they articulate very well many of the sentiments I am feeling. Some of my favorite tracks:
Opening Salvo
Bayani
Fire for the People
Back Home
All tracks are very good and all have lyrics meant to portray a message. This music isn't just something you put on for entertainment. This is music you put on to actually listen to.

Blue Scholars, what not to expect but much integrity and sublime attributes.
You can always expect something new and rejuvenated from them
this album executes all expectations and raises your interest in whats next

I picked up this album after listening to some samples at a local record store. When I got home and popped it in, I was surprised by the blend of beat and rhyme into a beautiful and artistic album. If I could only have 15 albums to listen to for the rest of my life, this album would be on that list.

I've been a huge Blue Scholars fan ever since, buying their earlier album(s) and have never been disappointed. Check this out, a must for anyone on the west coast needing some northwest breath of fresh air.

This album is absolutely amazing. I love their style and message and their beats are great. If you haven't heard the blue scholars then frankly, you are missing out. Once you listen to their soulful beats and insightful rhymes, you will never look at hip-hop the same. I must admit that i am from Seattle so there is some bias in this, but if your a fan of underground hip-hop then I highly recommend that you buy this album!