Customer Reviews

Love & Hate

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

 

 

Despite all the criticism, this is yet another solid gem dropped by the most gifted (and underrated) MC the world has ever known. As "mainstream" as people may think this sounds, or as much as some say Acey is "selling out", this is still light years ahead of any of the MTV and radio garbage being strewn about these days. In fact, it outshines most of Acey's underground contemporaries. Part of Acey's magic lies in his ability to hit you with what you're not expecting, and no two albums ever sound the same. So what if this isnt on the same level as "a Book of Human Language." I seriously doubt it was meant to be. What this album brings to the table is exactly what we expect from Aceyalone, and what he comes through with every time: bangin songs, witty insightfulness, some of the coldest wordplay, and of course, unexpected twists throughout...

The most noticable twist on this album is Ace One's use of a more contemporary canvas to paint his lyrical brushstrokes over. As far as beats go, he trades in his usual crispy, sampled straight-off-the-SP1200 background for more modern electronic and bass-heavy sounds provided by producers PNG and RJD2, with a guest appearance by Project Blowed veteran Fat Jack (on the silky smooth "The Saga Continues" featuring the forever chill Abstract Rude) and Def Jux's El-P (who also raps on the dark, twisted "City of Sh*t"). Some of the album even brings some RnB flavor to the mix (another unexpected twist) with Goapele crooning through the hook of the haunting "Moonlit Skies", and neo-soul underground rockers The Soul of John Black provide the vocal and musical engine for Acey's mothership on "Ace Cowboy". Bouncy and rhythmic tracks like "Junkman", "Let me Hear Sumn", and "Find Out" could keep all hands in the air at the club, while keeping the intellectual ear strained to decipher Acey's razor-sharp and intelligent flow; and the deep and mysterious title track makes a heavy statement on the most basic yet complex of human emotions.

All in all, this album delivers something for just about everybody, and would serve not only as a solid addition to any fan's collection, but also as a perfect introduction to anyone who is unfamiliar with the world's greatest. And to those of you who think Acey has gone mainstream, check out the just-released "Project Blowed presents the Good Brothers", a compilation of some of the most ORIGINAL and talented west coast rappers today, with Aceyalone at the forefront of most of the tracks. Definitely not what I'd call "mainstream"...also, die-hard fans should check out "Hip Hop and the World we Live In", a collection of unreleased Aceyelone gems, all produced by Elusive of the Living Legends crew. Fans can appreciate this more on the same level as "Human Language". It was only released in limited quantities though, so grab a copy while you can. This should be plenty to hold you over until we hear from Ace One again, and who knows what he will bring to the table next time?....

It is sad that music like this never makes it into the "mainstream". Aceyalone speaks intelligently and clearly with a vocabulary that is pleasant to listen too - not angry and aggressive, with a pointless message - like most of the crap on the radio. This album does have some of an 80s feel - but that is the current trend in Rock - Ace should be commended for being on the forefront of his genre - and NOT sticking to the same old thing (as other reviews have mentioned). I think this album is better than some of the others - you won't be disappointed.

Yea I can Kind of see like some of the other reviewers why they might be upset with this release Ace tired to do a concept joint and 85% of the time he pulls it off flawlessly The other 15% is pretty corny. Like the song with EL-P this is the worst excuse for a Hiphop song I have ever heard. Most of the music on this album is a mixture of soulful bi-polar funk Hiphop that is based loosely on the concept of love and hate. Now I see a couple of reviews talking about how ACE fell off lyricly but I dont really know how you rate a lyricist like ACE one way or the other because his lyrics dont make much sense to begin with if you are into abstract poetry you will probably enjoy the lyrical stylings of Ace 1. This is not a five star album and while I feel Acealone is an aquired taste it is certainly worth more than 1 star enjoy this and any of his other albums.

I have always enjoyed Aceyalone's work and own most of his joints. I have never been an enthusiastic fan of him until "Love and Hate". Thus far the bad reviews of this album have claimed it lacks the concept and complexity of previous Acey. However, by reading these reviews you see that people Love and Hate this record almost equally. I would say the concept is conveyed clearly.

"Love and Hate" says so much about the times we live in. The vibe of the record is a reflection of the current social and political climate. The production flows seamlessly throughout with RJD2 and El-P punctuating Acey's best beats yet. It's not the light and fluffy SoCal underground that has become so stale. It is in both dark and light where Aceyalone grows and transcends from an already great repertoire. If you can handle change, buy this album now. If not listen to "All Balls Don't Bounce" for the billionth time.

Aceyalone has endured an extreme road of success throughout his Hiphop Career. I mean that in the fact that he is one of the most respected hiphop artist's in California. From the Freestyle Fellowship, to Project Blowed, to Haiku D'Etat, to the A-team, hes been everywhere.

His new recording, "Love and Hate" is a good recording with some tight tracks. I admit, compared to his more lyrical and concept recorded albums in the past, this one is not as good, but as far as the overall musical aspect I believe this album is excellent. The beats are better, and there are various guest appearances. If you compare this album to the more mainstream artists of today, it will still surpass those by far!

Some of the stand out Tracks: "Lemme Hear Sumn ft. Casual of the Hieroglyphics", this song has a very uptempo beat with a very catchy chorus! If you want a tight track to bump while driving, this is the one. Another highlight of the album is "The Saga Continues ft. Abstract Rude", this song is yet another collab with longtime friend ab. the song has a more low-tempo beat, as ace and ab rap about how they have come so far together, and how the saga continues... The next highlight would be "Moonlight Skies featuring Goapele", and this is a slower tempo song with a musical aspect to it. Goapele showcases her smoothing voice in the background, as ace sings the chorus "It's moonlight skies in the middle of the night, its so surreal that it dont seem right". Aceyalone delivers some good versus and this is an excellent song. My next Highlight would be the bonus track "Ms. amerikkka". This is actually my favorite track, because it has so much to grasp. The song is basically evolved around this country, but ace uses his technique of relating it to something else, as he addresses the song as if hes talking to a woman, Ms Amerikkka. The song speaks very widely about issues the US has had with other countries, and other global problems: "How can people still be hungry, when theres a surplus".

Overall most of the tracks on this album deserve some spotlight, and you can listen to this album all the way through! If you appreciate intelligent hiphop music, then pick this album up. If you are still stuck in the 19993 Aceyalone era, then this album might be too mainstream for you.

If you're a fan of Aceyalone's previous albums (Book of Human Language and Accepted Eclectic), you'll probably be as disappointed as I was to discover that Love and Hate lacks all of the wit and poetry that made these earlier albums so great. Indeed, it's difficult to believe that the same hip-hop artist who on other occasions has packed such voluminous, mind-blowing lyrics into single songs now provides little more than recycled fluff and simplistic ideas. For example, the title track drones on and on the refrain "love and hate" while quoting extensively from Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing -- thus, the only original substance that Aceyalone can muster in this song is an unimaginative rehashing of the idea that love and hate are merely opposites and, in the end, (surprise! surprise!) one in the same. When I compare an idea this inane (pervading the album and expressed so banaly) with the conceptual and artistic breadth of Aceyalone's earlier work, I'm shocked. What happened? Who knows? Truly, the only redeeming quality of this album is an artfully illustrated booklet.

This is just another cd that is awesome that nobody probably knows about because of all that overrated mainstream that is out there. Lyrics are diverse and the beats are excellent. This cd has some beats that are intense and some that are mellow and laid back. In my book these types of beats are definitely good things because the production is excellent. If you are into underground and independent labal stuff then you should not pass this by.

First off, I want to say I still consider Aceyalone one of the greatest mc's of all time. In fact he might have my vote as THE greatest of all time. Acey has earned his place in hiphop's pantheon.

That said, the best part of this album is Riddlore's rhymes --especially "I guess the final analysis won't be summed up until I'm eulogized." I honestly think Acey was upstaged by his cameo guest. But I've got to give Acey props for bringing such great mc's to the attention of a broader audience. Aceyalone is like the Underground Hiphop Ambassador.

I also have to give much props to Acey for re-releasing "Mrs Amerikka" in a post-9/11 America. This song was first released on the compilation album "Unbound Project" -- created to gather money for Mumia Abu-Jamal's legal defense fund -- in 1999.

I still enjoy this album when I listen to it, but it doesn't draw my attention, it doesn't make me want to listen to it. Maybe I've just listened to too much Acey. Or maybe he's resting on his laurels. Maybe the old Acey is just too good to beat. It seems to me that current Acey is relying too much on old school roots. I'd much rather listen to recent releases by Busdriver, Riddlore, 2mex, and Xololanxinxo.

I think I'm going to have to go to Sandboxautomatic to get the Good Brothers "Stolen Masters" CD featuring an all-star lineup of Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Busdriver, Riddlore, Ellay Khule, 2mex, Xololanxinxo, etc. "Love & Hate," "Stolen Masters," shirt & poster for 20 bucks.

Whatever you say about this album, you have to admit it's his most pop-oriented album to date. Acey says it himself in the intro to the first single "Lost Your Mind" -- "Fun rap, dude, fun rap."

I can see how some would be dissappointed by Aceyalone's latest solo. It seems as if he didn't push himself lyrically as he usually does. However, it's important to point out that this is a solo album that is different from anything he's done, as with every other cd he's done. It's obvious he's trying to push the musical aspect for once, as he employs producers like RJD2, PMG, Fat Jack, and El-P to liven the mood.
Even though the lyrical gems are sparse(for Acey), he still packs moments such as the exhilirating "Takeoff," political and social commentary of "Ms. Amerikka," and the pure funk of "Ace Cowboy," which are three of the best songs of his career. Otherwise you're left to pick and choose. "Junkman" isn't anything special, but it does its job: warming the album up. Not feeling "Let Me Hear Sumn"(w/ Casual of Hieroglyphics & Big Arch) too much, but "Lost Your Mind" does what it intends: hype up the party without selling out the lyrics. Abstract Rude makes his usual appearance on the mellow "The Saga Continues," but it seems to be a little to much "business as usual" for them at least. A fine song, no doubt, but almost too laid-back and we know they can push the boundaries further than that. "Find Out"(w/ Riddlore) is quite a winner as a party starter with solid lyrics. "City of Sh#t"(w/ El-P) is actually amusing once you get past the initial discomfort*hint,hint*. There are some songs where he feels the propensity to cuss more than usual on tracks like "Lost Your Mind," "The Takeoff," the title track, and "City of Sh**." Overall, it's still the usual Acey and he never fumbles a verse or shows signs of selling-out.
Actually, this cd would be great to blast at a party and play all the way through! Plenty of high energy moments with some chill-out songs in the middle like "The Saga Continues" and "Moonlit Skies"(w/ crooner Goapele). The album is not completely devoid of intellectual moments and mental stimuli in case you're worried, but it's a solid party album, and not a mainstream ploy! The top 5 songs off "Love and Hate" are "Ace Cowboy," "Ms. Amerikka," "Takeoff," "So Much Pain,"(w/ Riddlore and Self-Jupiter) and "Moonlit Skies." Acey did it like he always does (gives us what were not expecting), yet longtime fans are hoping for more focus on his masterful lyrical game next time around, but this is acceptable. A good place to start out if you've never heard Aceyalone, if you can get this for a reasonable price, and more solid material from one of Hiphop's elite.

If you are actually an Aceyalone fan, you would know that "Love and Hate" is mostly just a bunch of nonsense. Aceyalone fans know that there are a lot more cd's than just Accepted Eclectic and beyond. They recognize the knowledge that Freestyle Fellowship jumpstarted hip-hop in California, and then pushed the East Coast more than anyone could have seen happening. "Love and Hate" is a bunch of redundant nonsense beats, done by nonsensical producers. The only songs that have production worth hearing are the songs produced by Riddlore and El-P, and if I have to listen to Goapeles poor excuse for singing again, my ears may explode. May I mention that the only sick El-P song is a ton of idiotic, blabbering nursey rhymes? Aceyalone tried to gain a different audience with this cd, and I believe, failed miserably. I would expect so much more from an artist so distinguished in the hip-hop career he has. Have you heard "The Hunt", or "Makeba"? The previous cd's have been more about the hip-hop aspect of things, then about gaining a "broader" crowd. If you want to waste your money, buy this... if you don't, buy the Aceyalone- All Balls Don't Bounce re-release.