Customer Reviews

Grand Imperial

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Aceyalone is a lyricist that seems to change his style "
like that". In one moment(A book of human language), he rips the mic with knowledge and skillz that far surpase the average emcee, weaving poetry and tales into a union of lyric saavy intelligence, and in another case emitting basic flows over one of the greatest producers in the game(RJD2 in Magnificant City). On Grand Imperial, there is a mix of two styles, one that is somewhat intelligent and tight, and another that is kind of annoying. I enjoyed Magnificant City a lot, but there was a limit. Aceyalone's lyrics seemed contrived and a little like they were concieved in haste.
There is another style on Grand Imperial, and that is of weak lyrics about lost loves and woman that Aceyalone does not think too highly of. These tracks are highly skippable. Otherwise this CD is rather dope. The beats and production are tight. But, if you have been exposed to All balls don't bounce, or the epic A book of human language, then all future releases by Aceyalone don't match up or meet the grade.

I once asked Sami what the hell is wrong with Beck, and why is he always whining. Without hesitation he responded, "Hey, he's all about his girl." True that, i get it now. Well, the same can be said about Ace on this album. Besides the fact that Ace is a Los Angeles hip hop legend and his first two solo albums, All Balls Dont Bounce and A Book of Human Language are classics, he really hasnt put out anything of real substance in the last few years. I was dissapointed with Magnificent City which seemed to have the makings of a hit record (produced by RJD2, released on the Roots' label Okay Player). But it just didnt materialize they way it could have. Ace goes back to basics on this one it tells you strait from his heart--"hey, she burned me. this is how i feel." The production isn't flashy but the beats get my head nodding.

Ace is a master lyricist and he is even better live on songs like "makeballelillia" (a combination of analillia and makeba to the beat of billy jean). Also, Grand Impereial and Everything Changes are simple but well produced and thoughtful; Sunsets and waterfalls is soft and melodic. Never Come Back has just an amazing beat, with crafty cadencing and ryhme schemes. Right when i was about to give up on Ace, he comes up with some quality work on this album.