Cuts for Luck & Scars for Freedom [Explicit Lyrics]

Mystic | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 31, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Jcor Entertainment
• ASIN: B00005KCGI
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,235 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars POIGANT MASTERPIECE, July 5, 2002

By 

J. Johnson "capricornrising1" (CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cuts for Luck & Scars for Freedom (Audio CD)

It was the summer of 2001(a mundane summer,I must add) and on the television,Mystic's "The Life" came on the screen.Instantly,
my eyes were glued.Who is she? What is she about? All these things popped into my mind.I wanted desperatly to know this Mystic girl was.

Fast forward to October 2001.I'm at Borders' and I saw Mystic's
debut album,"Cuts For Luck,Scars For Freedom" for a low price.
I picked it up and fell in love with this album.

Mystic(Madeline Ludlum) is a b-woman from the Bay Area.A fiery
MC,soothing singer,and introspective poet.Like Lauryn Hill,
Bahadmia,and Jill Scott rolled into one.Her music is wise and multi-facted.Slow,assuring then urgent and political.Hands down,
"Cuts For Luck,Scars For Freedom" is one of the most sincere debut albums in some time.

Opening with a warm spoken intro in which the listener is assured to "kick back,relax,open up your mind,and let your pain go".Then we enter into "Ghetto Birds",a bleak yet inspring sermon of the wrongs of materialism and political corruptioness
in the urban community."Neptunes Jewels" is a breezy ode to the right mate."This is a B-girl ballad for true",Mystic rhymes.
"The Gottas" is a honest ode to the downfalls of misguided thugs.But the joyus "The Life" that is one of the standouts
(honestly,all the tracks are standouts).It's warmly sung chrous and peaceful message just takes you over.It's suprising that this song did well in commerical markets because it's so meaningful."Once A Week" is a playful ode to casual sex that doesn't come as corny or trashy.After the interlude,"Dave Ghetto",we delve into "Forever And A Day",a beautiful,moving
ballad that's both plantitive and uplifting(much like the rest of "Cuts").I love this song! I can't say enough.One reason why this song is so great is because Mystic shows her singing skills.With easy synth wiggles,"D Boy" tells the tale of a down-trotted hustler.After "D Boy",there's the sweet gem,"You Say,I Say".Like "Forever And A Day",this is a assuring ballad that shows of Mystic's soothing,beautiful voice.And again,the vibe of the song is so real.I'm loving this one right here.
The sorrowful yet uplifting "A Dream" is moving and again-REAL.
But another major standout comes in the form of "W",featuring a shining rhyme from Planet Asia,Mystic softfully rhymes about her homestate of California.Again,I LOVE this one.(This song actually won a Grammy nomination).
"Fallen Angels" is a bass-driven lament of late hood soldiers.
Moving.The funky "Girlfriend Sistagirl" is a fierce ode to young females.
But "Fatherless Child" is plain POWERFUL! Actually,this song nearly brought tears to my eyes because it's so descriptive,
honest,and beautiful.Mystic reveals that her late drug-addled
father who was absent for most of her childhood scarred her
(hence,the title).The song is just so vivid.It's been a while that I've heard a song that actually stuck with me in a deep way.
The spacey "OK...Alright" and the lush "Spoken Peace" close out the album along with a lesser bonus track,"Destiny Complete".

There you have it.Mystic's spawling,76-minute journey enlightens,uplifts,and leaves an effect on the listener.
"Cuts For Luck,Scars For Freedom" was easily one of the best albums of 2001 and brought something new to the table.
The beats and music on here are atmospheric and surreal.My only minor complaint for this disc is that I wish that Mystic had sang more.Other than,if you're fan of music that wants something that actually has some depth and meaning.Here it goes.
Free your mind and pick up "Cuts For Luck,Scars For Freedom".

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Experience "The Life" of Mystic, November 2, 2001

By 

7th Angl (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cuts for Luck & Scars for Freedom (Audio CD)

First of all, she is Mystic. Not "THE" Mystic. Second of all, this album is an eclectic marvel. Not only does she seamlessly bridge r and b and rhymes, but her lyrics run the gamut from religion to death to sex to virtue and a love of hip hop, all from a feminine perspective. Mystic is truly gifted in invoking imagery, and has no difficulty in her poetic manner to address political issues. This album captivates the listener, and each song is literally so chock full of lyrics, that at times one is confused as to which track one is actually listening to. Many songs breeze by the seven minute mark, but succeed in holding my interest. This album may serve as a mental workout, but this is due primarily to Mystic's stream-of-consciousness wordplay. Indeed, her invective is introspection, and "cuts for luck and scars for freedom" is an album that makes manifold by musical means, the personality and make-up of Mystic's character. Each track is a fascinating glimpse into a different facet of this individual. It's hard for me to believe that she is associated with Digital Underground, but the tracks that are helmed by its production team complement her lyrics nicely, and do not detract from her content. By far, my favourite song is "Fallen Angels", a paean dead-homie track that is very powerful and heart wrenching. Although sounding nothing like "T.R.O.Y" by Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, this track shares in its appeal by poignantly illustrating the fact that death is an experience that affects loved ones each in a unique way, as Mystic recounts the sweet memories of a deceased lover that only she intimately possesses.
Don't overlook this album if you are a fan of emcees like Common or singers like Jill Scott or Billie Holiday that give personal takes on life as they have come to know it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent album., October 11, 2001

By 

Peace Daddy "Eclectic ReflectionZ" (Where the Wind Blows) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Cuts for Luck & Scars for Freedom (Audio CD)

On her debut album, Mystic brings forth a beautiful blend of singing and emceeing over a varied soundscape, with a result that can be enjoyed by all fans of good music.
She has a great singing voice, and displays it nicely on every track. Just as you're getting drawn into her soothing sound, she busts into emcee mode, spitting meaningful lyrics with a seemingly effortless flow.
The first single, "The Life," is an example of that. On "D Boy" she spits with fire & passion a vivid storyline about a young man caught up in the game. On "You Say, I Say," she slows down the pace on a heartfelt love track with a mesmerizing feel to it.
The list of standout tracks is endless, as "Cuts For Luck and Scars For Freedom" has very few weak spots. At its cheap price, you cannot go wrong with this album.