Customer Reviews

Disc-Overy

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My friend recently was trying to get me into Tyler the Creator, and I just didn't get it. I'm not a hip hop purist, and I see no need to force myself to listen to stuff with no choruses and an utter lack of musicality. Tinie Tempah on the other hand has released an excellent cross over album in "Disc-Overy." It has killer dubstep mixed in with pulsing electronic and synth beats, a distinctive lyrical flow, and swagger for days.

Some people may be a little put off by Tinie's distinctively British style/voice, so I definitely suggest listening to a few tracks first to know what you're getting into. However, chances are if you liked one song of his, you'll probably like the entire album. It is in no way static, with the soaring anthem "Invincible" with the excellent Kelly Rowland, to club banger "Pass Out," to my personal favorite--the dark and depressing "Let Go" featuring Emeli Sande. However, all of it firmly falls into the rap/pop category most recently famously done by Nicki Minaj on "Pink Friday." If you want musical, hard hitting rap that you can still dance to, then you'll love this album. If you want "pure" rap, then this is most definitely not for you.

***EDIT, I just realized that the US track listing is way different from the UK version that I have. The UK version includes three different songs ("Invincible"--which is incredible, and "Obsession" and "Just a Little"). These songs were switched out for "Till I'm Gone", "So Addicted" which is pretty tight, and "Love Suicide" which is one of the most "pop" songs on the album. I'm not quite sure why the switch, but it's definitely worth noting. "Invincible" is an awesome song that should have made the cut on the US version so I highly recommend finding a way to get it.

Tinie Tempah's debut album (the U.S. Edition) Disc-Overy is an anomaly - in a good respect. Different from so many other rap albums, Disc-Overy combines the best aspects of pop, urban, and rap music to make a fine hip-hop effort. Tempah's British accent is endearing, giving rap a different voice than it has possessed before. While Tempah may not necessarily be `the second coming' as an MC, he has a knack and talent for stringing rhymes together successfully - his debut effort epitomizes proof of this.

The album opens with an intro, that acclimates the listener to Patrick "Tinie Tempah" Okogwu's rapping style. The exceptional, well-rounded "Simply Unstoppable" follows exhibiting brilliant production work - synth-driven and `electro-centric' in quality. Tempah's flow is consistent, yielding some sensationally conceived rhymes: "My mom forty-four years old with no wrinkles/I got a hundred thousand on me I could sprinkle..." The hook is well penned for sure: "I can't explain it, but you're gonna love this, so crazy outrageous, simply unstoppable..." Another valedictory cut follows through "Pass Out," notable for more superb production work, with a tinge of rock-driven reggae sound (if there is such a thing!). Again, the chorus is a sensational one, marked by a mix of rapping and singing. The Wiz Khalifa feature "Till I'm Gone" keeps the momentum going, contrasting the European-driven production of the first two cuts in favor of a more `Americanized' sound. Wiz works perfectly for this cut, singing the memorable hook: "I grew tired of the same, then one night/packed my things, told the one I love/I'll be back one day..." Tinie gets his share of praises with an incredible catchy bridge to the chorus ("Come out and play, pour out another bottle/let's do it all today and worry bout it all tomorrow...) as well as a killer line ("I be cutting off these b*****s like an episode of Nip Tuck").

"Illusion" revives the electronic-driven production (mainly during the hook), but the verses are characterized by a piano-led, drum driven styled production. Tempah's punchlines never fail ("My mom say I need to put on weight like Kelly Clarkson/She say I work like a soldier marchin'"). "So Addicted" features Bei Maejor, singing the chorus. The production is subtler, but that is a nice adjustment, as is Tempah laying off the heavy profanity (he still ain't got nothing on Tyler, The Creator!). "Snap" is not a bad cut, though it does not allure as much as the `créme de la créme.' Nothing to fear, as the U.S. hit "Written in the Stars," featuring the vocals of Eric Turner, allures and atones for any improprieties. The production transcends `hip-hop,' much like "Simply Unstoppable" or "Pass Out," providing an avenue for crossover into pop. Tempah's rhymes are superb as always, notably on the first verse: "That's why they play my song on so many different dials/because I got more f***ing hits than a disciplined child..."

Following the laudatory "Written in the Stars," the album falls off ever so slightly. "Frisky," featuring Labrinth lacks the `hit' (or `it') factor of the best cuts in favor of a more low-key vibe/sound. "Miami 2 Ibiza" is certainly a `B' as opposed to an `A' where production clearly supersedes `substance.' The Ester Dean feature "Love Suicide" is solid, but could stand to feature the slightest bit more character for whatever reason; something's missing. Penultimate cut "Wonderman," featuring Ellie Goulding, is enjoyable, but unexceptional. Only ultimate cut "Let Go," featuring Emeli Sandé, reinstates some of the early fanfare and spark to Disc-Overy.

Essentially, Tinie Tempah's debut effort Disc-Overy is a `good-un.' While it is flawed towards the conclusion of the effort, how many albums these days aren't? And regardless, there are no `outright' misses, which makes Disc-Overy enjoyable enough throughout, even when it finds itself slightly below being `exceptional.' Highly recommended to those who love crossover hybrids between rap, pop, and R&B.

This cd is AMAZING! I've been waiting for it soooo long to be released in the US. That's how you know he's such a great artist if I held on since October and before then! I discovered him from playing Tap tap and I've been hooked ever since. Tinie Tempah has a flow that is fast, yet you can still understand him. He doesn't rap about your typical things and he has pretty positive messages. It's a very upbeat cd and it's not boring at all. The intro gets you from the start. In other words, it goes HARD! He starts with a bang and ends with one. This is his first official cd and it's already a hit. Can't wait to see what's in store for the future. Buying this cd will be an upgrade for you. Just listen to it once and you won't want to stop!

Came in great shape and fast would us this dealer again. But only one good song in my mind on this CD.

This was actually a gift for my 9-yr. old grandson who dearly loved it. Besides that, there's not much I personally know about his CD as our tastes in music differ a lot!!!

SO I have heard a lot about this CD coming out and waited patiently! Then I was blown away when I got to hear it!! It is amazing!! I have been listening on repeat for a while now. I love "written in the Stars" and "Till I'm Gone". Now you listen and tell me what your favorite is!! ~MR

Tinie Tempah got his swag on as he mixes all genres of music. Definite like for all hip hop fans.. Keep doing your thing!

I bought this album when I was in England. Its great. Pass Out and Frisky is played in all the clubs.

This guys style of music has changed the way I listen to music. I felt the same way a few months ago when the Diddy Dirty Money cd came out. The music direction is so different and yet addicting to listen to. The beats are flawless, making you want to jam to it no matter what the lyrics are. I give this guy props and can't wait to hear more from him on his next album. His cd title tells it all, Tinie Tempah is a Discovery.

I picked this up last month (I got the UK version, but there isn't a difference in the track listings), and I thought it was interesting to see that there's a mix of "club"-like songs and serious songs on this album. The way this album is put together, though, isn't messy at all. There's the recognizable "Pass Out" and lately it seems that whenever I turn the radio on I hear "Written in the Stars", but there are other stand out tracks like "Just A Little", "Wonderwoman", and "Let Go". If you hear about Tempah from the presses it might leave you with the impression that he has a big ego, but luckily his music doesn't leave me with that impression.

I think this album is going to appeal to a pretty large crowd, songs like "Pass Out", "Frisky", and "Miami to Ibiza" are catchy and make you want to move, while other tracks like "Simply Unstoppable" and "Let Go" are going to appeal to the crowd looking for mature songs. Some people will only download "Written in the Stars", since that's probably his most recognizable work in the US right now, but it'd be a shame for them to overlook this album. You might find that you prefer a handful of songs over the others, but there's a good possibility that you'll at least like a few songs on this album, if not all of them.