Customer Reviews

Dust

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

 

 

I really wanted to like "Dust." Sup the Chemist's work on SFC's "Illumination" is one of my all-time favorite hip-hop albums. While I was anxious for new Sup material, he layed low for awhile after SFC. After a long wait, I grabbed "Dust" as soon as I found it. It's a big disappointment. This is a mediocre project on every level including the song writing, the melodies, arrangements and samples. With SFC, Sup crafted highly intelligent music by combining hip-hop with jazz. Playing straight hip-hop, this sounds stock. The songs lack hooks. The material just isn't compelling or memorable. After repeated listens, I keep expecting that a chorus or groove will finally linger in my mind. It hasn't happened and I've given up. Beyond these elements, there seems to be an indirect relationship between Sup's religious fervor and his musical quality. SFC's work wasn't preachy, it was generically positive and uplifting while this is religiously charged. A lack of musical substance can't be offset by Christian passion. With a few exceptions, my review stands in contrast to the vast majority of praise. I suspect that the other reviewers aren't evaluating this for its musical contribution but for the content of Sup's character. Sup is a man with a heart of solid gold and I feel bad about being down on his project. That written, casually awarding five stars because a reviewer likes the moral character of an artist doesn't help the consumer to make a more informed choice. "Dust" isn't without merit -it's mediocre, not bad. At the time of review, about five used copies could be picked up for under three bucks. At that price, it's not a bad investment for those who are really curious. In the end, the title is ironic since dust is what this effort will collect in most CD collections.

What an awesome man he is.... Sup, i first heard him on DJ Maj Full Plates and i just thought of him as a funny awesome rapper with a good style and good lyrics... But i then realized that when i bought this CD he has his serious songs to and the funny awesome ones too.... he is just a good emcee with a smooth flow telling the world the Christ is no.1 in a very funny way and awesome way.... GET THIS CD!!!

I like Christian Rappers who keep the gift true to the era of Run D MC, Whoodini,and the like. When the gift was about lyrical expression, not about how many bags of drugs you can sell, and how many girls you can have sex with. He also speaks out against the FLOW of mainstream rappers they are all soo commercialized and Negitive! With nice beats and some smooth flows Sup can take you to that higher plane with no threat from negitive lyrics. Lets thank God for that!

SUP The Chemist, Ahmad, 4th Avenue Jones, MG! The Visionary, LA Symphony, Ill Harmonics, Brainwash Projects, Count Bass D, Sackcloth Fashion. What do all these names have in common? These are all the emcees and crews cutting the future of true hip hop. Not gangster rap, but real mic-rocking, lyric-ripping, smooth-flowing hip-hop.

Sup's album "Dust" is probably the best example from this group of word artists. The first time I heard Sup was on the LA Symphony album "Composition #1" and was amazed at his flow, tone, rhymes, and style. Sup has been doing this for a long time, and his skills jump right off the speakers as a result. Although Sup has been emceeing for a long time, "Dust" is a totally new experience for anybody who has been listening to hip hop for any given time. This album is full of creative lyrics and music. Every track takes the listener through Sup's word pictures and stories. A real rhyme adventure for the serious hip-hop fan. Another example that real hip-hop can be creative, innovative, and intelligent without having to step down to violence, drugs, and profanity.

From the horn blasts in the introduction, this CD makes way for the return of Sup the Chemist or just plain old Sup (pronounced "soup"). Formerly known as Super C, this MC has been flowing for over 10 years now. He used to be down with a group called SFC (Soldiers For Christ), until he broke solo in 1994 to continue on his creative path. His solo effort, "Illumination", a jazzy and bouncy collection of hip and spoken word, is still a classic among his true fans (like me).

On his new CD "Dust", it appears that Sup has taken his time and written a thoughtful album that will interest anyone christian or non-christian. For those looking for a christian message, pull out your shovels because you will be looking a little hard, but know that his lyrics are positive.

The songs that stand out on this album are "Fresh Coast", his tag team with Ahmad ("Back in the day...") from 4th Ave. Jones; "Top Ramen Nights", where he examines the plight of the underground rapper working hard at his craft; "Photographs", "A.R.T" w/5 O'Clock; "Zone", a straight up braggadocia flow over a tight beat with guest stars Elevated and "The Sun Also Rises" w/Jon Gibson singing the hook from "Dust in the Wind".

Overall this album has highs and lows; where the beats the don't grab you, the lyrics will make you ponder. This is album is not as up front with christian views as say The Cross Movement, but you feel the peace and positivity of his message. Enjoy!

This CD gets better and better every time u hear it. Listened to it the first day I bought it and haven't stopped. From slow, touching songs like Photographs, to the up-tone beats of Zone this album has it all. Not to mention the element that all SUP's geusts bring to this CD. This is the next stage of Christian rap/hip-hop y'all.

Sup The Chemist * Dust (Beesyde Records/UpRok, 2000)

With influences that range from THE DOORS and MICHAEL JACKSON to SADE and JOHN COLTRANE, Chris Cooper reappears with another collection of mind jams. Like a Saved CHUCK D or KRS 1, Sup is not satisfied with just giving his people anything ordinary on his discs. As when he was known as the leader of the pioneering Rap group, SFC, Sup the Chemist continues to offer lyrics that will "suplex your mind".

For fans of: Peace 586/ LPG/ AHMAD

Positive Beat Digest
LaZeric Fridell Freeman

and that is exactly what Sup did on this cd. i havent heard anything else from sup except the couple of verses on DJ Dove's cd. but this cd is definitely the truth. if you are open to new and refreshing forms of HIP HOP (Christian and secular) then you need to get this. i've owned it since it came out and it stays in heavy rotation in the Dodge. WARNING: if you are big into anything mainstream then you probably wont feel it.

This is one of the best hip hop albums i've ever heard. Right behind John Reuben's 3. Lyrically its awsome and very intellegent. he has a unique way of rapping, it almost sounds like he's telling a story, which I love. The beats/instrumentals are also very good. Useing the usuall orchistra stuff with some nice beats. Comparing this to any secular rapper would be insane because it is so much better in every way possible.

If you don't own "dust" buy it now. If you respect Hip Hop in any way you should like it.

I BOUGHT THIS CD FOR MY SON - WE ARE SEARCHING FOR GOOD R&B / RAP WITH A POSITIVE MESSAGE - WE WERE VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CD - THE RECORDING QUALITY WAS LACKING, THE BEATS VERY REPETITIVE AND UNINSPIRING, YOU COULD HARDLY HEAR THE WORDS - OVERALL - WE ARE LISTING THIS CD FOR SALE AND WE JUST BOUGHT IT YESTERDAY! MY HUSBAND, SON AND I ALL AGREED WITHIN TEN MINUTES THAT THIS CD WAS NOT A WINNER.