Customer Reviews

Boxcar Sessions

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

 

 

Saafir is perhaps the most innovative MC of the nineties. This album came out in like '94 during a time when Hieroglyphics began to erupt and show that Cali kids have more than just gangsta flows. Saafir, however, emerges as the most prolific MC in that area. Unfortunately, he received acclaim only in underground circles because he was over the heads of the masses. I can't give this album 5 stars because the production on the album is not the greatest, but lyrically this album has no equal. It would take a lifetime to decipher much of this material. Saafir is truly a hip-hop heavyweight in terms of originality and lyrical content. I strongly recommend this album if you want an undiscovered gem. I also recommend the Hit List, and if you can find it, the single "Pull ya Card".

For those true hio-hop heads out there, east, west, or anywhere in the middle, you can't help but like this album. Saafir brings us back to what hip-hop should be about, straight rymes and beats. On cuts like "light sleeper" he brings that hard core oakland flow with battle heavy rymes that proves that Oaktown ain't no joke and saafir can hang with any MC. Other cuts such as "just ridin'" make you wish you were cruisin' on a sunny day, top down in an impala or cadi. With most of the beats provided by Jay Z (not Jigga of the east coast) the music blends perfectly with Saafir's flow. The down side to the album is the abundant interludes that come after and before a majority of the cuts. While it plays along with the concept of the album, after a listen or two you have to keep your finger on the forward button. But with partners Big Nose and the Whooridas representin' this album is a true family affair not to be missed. His new album Hit List hits stores this week.

I first heard Saafir on Digital Underground's "Body Hat Syndrome." He was a refreshing new voice, but got mixed in the shuffel of DU's laundry list of emcees. About a year later I saw the video for "Light Sleeper" and I just remember how bugged out the video and song was. Saafir was one of those emcees who's voice and flow just wove this tapestry of descriptive, buttery no nonsense rhymes all over the track. He was innovative yet simple and I feel he is one of the most slept on emcees of ALL time.

Shortly after the "Light Sleeper" 12" dropped, he released "Boxcar Sessions," which at the time, I feel people wern't ready for such a progressive Hip-Hop album. At the time, the Bay area had the E-40 gangster vibe, the Digital Underground Parlament vibe, or the trust fund baby vibe of Heiro. Saafir brought a new sound to the table with this LP. "Boxcar Sessions" was as gritty as any "street" record, but had the underground Hip-Hop sound of many east coast emcees.

Shortly after this LP was released Saafir and Casual had a falling out that was broadcasted on the Sway & Tech show. This was one of the battles to end all battles. Heiro Vs. Hobo Junction. Hands down Saafir whooped the ish out of Casual on this one. I remember hearing a dub of a dub of a dub that was recorded from the radio show. Hissy muffly tapes, I sat in wonder listening to this peice of Hip-Hop history.

This album was his greatest work and his most ambitious effort. Don't sleep on this gem! This LP IS WORTH EVERY PENNEY and I'd pay for it again!

No disrespect to Heltah Skeltah who happen to be 1 of my favourte groups,but its only right that we should give all the credit to the originater of that style ,SAAFIR. This is one of the few albums thats really raw,untempered & skillfull.To hell with all those not giving it 5 mics.After 7 years i can still meditate to it.Peace to SAAfIR & DA JUNCTION.

This album is hands down one of my favorites. Saafirs got a real east coast sound on this drop, which makes it a real unique album. Hes also got some of the best flows, and the way he bring them through makes it that much better. Its seems confusing and disoranized at first, but after you listen to it enougyh you see that this is how its supposed to be, and that is just his style. Favorite tracks on here are light sleeper, battle drip,and swig of the stew but they are all good. Check this one out .

Back in 1994, you couldn't just google lyrics like you can now. If you wanted to analyze lyrics from records like Organized Konfusions debut album or "Soul On Ice" by Ras Kass then the pause and rewind button came in handy. Thankfully, "Boxcar Sessions" comes with lyrics in the liner notes so if you have no idea what Saafir rhymed about you could try to look inside the album cover to dissect the meanings behind the words. Even then it can take a few reads, before you make any progress. I've practically studied the lyrical passages like learning another language. I've studied Shakespeare in literature with some complex stanzas filled with deep metaphors, however, this album baffled me at every corner. That's the fun if your a lyrical zealot. Every listen reveals new meanings every time. Juxtaposing the lyrics is the production. The beats will not blow your mind but they do have solid backdrops that doesn't override Saafir's word wizardry. If you're a lover of dissecting words like science then you will feel right at home with this one.

AMAZING album from the Saucee Nomad, Saafir!!! I recommend this to any fan of hip hop, especially the early 90's!(when everything that came out was ill). His unique style and raw beats make this a must listen!

This album dropped like a silent bomb in '94, nobody heard. The production is trippin' tab on the tongue hiphop like the dizzy piano groove on ..Feel Me? or the rapid fire drum machine on Battle Drill. Saafir flows roundabout in a way that no else has in the hiphop game. Some may remember him as Cousin Harold in Menace II Society or from his freestyle on Casual's debut CD. This brother is a pioneer of the Bay Area, and he still doing it his own way on the down down with the Hobo Junction.

Saafir's style is dope, he has one of the nicest delivery in hip hop. The beats and lyrics are fresh; Album is original even to this day. It might not be for everyone, but I recommend you check it out.