Customer Reviews

The Offering

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Killah Priest has previously released 4 "good" albums. Showing his spiritual-street blend of lyrics; he was an unpolished diamond. With the exception of Heavy Mental, the albums such as "Black August / Revisited" were good but they lacked something. Consistency. It seemed Priest was toying with the mic, finding his style by trying different things. Each track had it's own feel, he would switch from hard street style to softer, poetic stories.

This album is where he polishes the rough edges and truly shows his talent. "The Offering" has 17 tracks and each one of them is a great song. The production is classic Wu-Tang style; think Ghostface "Ironman" or Cuban Linx. Priest does not jump around with his style like in previous albums, he sticks to making a straight-up classic here. This album is consistent, the beats are very strong and his lyrical ability is unmatched. This is a very solid CD, you won't be disappointed.

This is the album I've been waiting years for Priest to drop. An unpolished diamond before, now he is truly a shining gem in the world of hiphop. No less than 5 stars for the best hiphop CD to come out in recent years, let alone the best out of the Wu-Tang camp since Legend of the Liquid Swords

Killah Priest's fifth solo album is 2007's "The Offering." Killah Priest is a member of the extended Wu-Tang Family, the Sunz of Man, the Black Market Militia, and the HRSMN, but is probably best known for his excellent 1998 debut Heavy Mental. Kind of like Nas, everything he has released since his debut has inevitably been compared to it, and despite a string of truly quality albums, he remains a drastically underrated rapper even ten years later. Ever since I heard him rap on "B.I.B.L.E." on GZA's Liquid Swords album (a song that remains one of my all-time favorites), I have loved Killah Priest, and listening to him can be quite an experience. He provides the listener with so much more thought, insight, and interesting subject matter than basically any other rapper. He is well educated and artistic and obsessed with ancient European history, religion, architecture, and philosophy (as the great cover might indicate). And like much of the Wu-Tang collective, he tends to often rap through metaphor, but his way is far greater than most of the Wu MCs. His metaphors will usually reference scripture, ancient wars and historical figures, or literary works. This gives his music a very epic feel that is enhanced by the production. The beats take cues from classical music and instrumentals that makes the overall product a very unique and epic sounding work. "The Offering" stays true to Killah Priest's formula, and he makes no concessions of his style or ideas. Sometimes he may come across as paranoid but even though you may not agree with him, he's still incredibly compelling to listen to. He remains strictly rooted in the underground, and that said he will not appeal to everyone. His songs are usually devoid of hooks and he can rap in a monotone flow for a whole song. But for the educated listener his lyrics can open worlds of mysterious and spiritual ideas. My only complaints about "The Offering" are that towards the end of the album, the sound becomes a tad monotonous, and the production grows a little sparse and the songs a bit redundant. "The Offering" is another nice album from Killah Priest, and his fans should not hesitate to hunt this down.

The album kicks off with "The Offering (Intro)," a full-length song with a cool beat where Killah Priest drops the first of his mystical, spiritual lyrics on the album. "Salvation" has epic-sounding production anchored by a trumpet line and some of the best metaphorical lyrics, referencing ancient Europe. My favorite song is the Nas collaboration "Gun For Gun." This song has rough, frenetic production and quality verses that display the raw side of both MCs. On the fast and claustrophobic "How Many," Killah Priest speaks of the state of hip hop and mentions legends like KRS-One and Slick Rick. KP steals the show on "Uprising," a highlight both musically and lyrically, and he collaborates with fellow Sunz of Man and Black Market Militia member Hell Razah on "Melodic Pt. 2." The nice "Priesthood" precedes "Inner G," where the full incredible HRSMN crew of Killah Priest, Canibus, Kurupt, and Ras Kass show up. This is an amazing collective and this song showcases their awesome talent, a simple beat provides a backdrop for their deep and literate lyricism, my favorite verse is Kurupt's vicious one at the end. "Ghetto Jezus" is more vintage Killah Priest, ripe with references to scripture and a cool beat. The good title track comes before "Truth B Told" and "Osirus Eyes," two very solid cuts. "Standstill" is a high profile collabo with Bloodsport and Immortal Technique, and "PJs" features female rapper Zariya for one of the better songs on the disc. The hook and production in this song are really appealing and the verses are deep. The sunny "Happy" uses the same beat as Freeway's "You Don't Know" to create a nice late-album track, and the seven-minute "Essential" is very compelling, where he speaks on politics, religion, and philosophy over one of the best beats. This might be the best song on the album, it's got an epic feel to it. The album closes with another great song, "Till the Angels Come," which has an unsettling beat and an awesome concept.

"The Offering" is not an album that will receive heavy praise or attention, but Killah Priest's fanbase is sure to love it because it stays so true to his unique formula. I definitely recommend "The Offering."

A few years back, a good friend of mine introduced me to Killah Priest by strongly recommending me to purchase Killah Priest's 'Heavy Mental LP.' Truthfully, the album didn't really take into a favorable effect and left me disappointed, which in turn, left the CD buried in my glove box for months. During a typical New York traffic gridlock (complete standstill), I dug into my CD collection and decided to give Heavy Mental another chance. Killah Priest's lyrical smoothness & ability to ride a beat to it's preciseness is ridiculously spectacular. I was beyond impressed. Although I can't give Heavy Mental a Classic rating or even a perfected appraisal.. it did have a STRONG potential towards a classic achievement.

Anyway, years after.. something gave me the feeling that 'The Offering' was going to be amazing. So, after this long-awaited delay.. WOW, I was not disappointed. Killah P has definitely chosen to work with a great handful of producers on this LP, letting him release his true under-rated talent that lies within him. Honestly, I knew that this album was guaranteed towards success when his 2 verses on the compilation "Gun For Gun" had out-shined Nas's verse. Although I'm a devoted Nas fan, his contribution to the track had not held up against K.P's.

Tracks like 'Uprising' just gives me that re-assurance that Killah Priest is one of the most Under-Rated, Under-Appreciated, and Over-Looked MC's in our generation of Hip-Hop. His presence from the commencement of that 1st verse had literally had blasted me away.. his incorporation of intellectual wordplay just gives credit to his image and his title as Killah Priest.

It's funny how much appreciation and praise Pharoahe Monch recieved for 'Desire' when Killah Priest should have received A LOT MORE hype and anticipation for his release of 'The Offering'. I feel that they have a similar style, whereas their ideology compares and contrasts at so many equal levels.

I believe the production on this album had achieved a perfect standard and I would not add or subtract any of them.

My preferences and perspective(s) of 'Good Music' (in terms of Genre's of Hip-Hop) is not based on a limited variety, like many others fans who are strictly devoted to either Underground Hip-Hop or Commercially Fan-Favorite Rap (Radio Music). I range from Killah Priest & Jedi-Mind-Tricks to Cam'ron & Lil Wayne.

So, the factor that differentiates Killah Priest from many of these other rappers is his connection and authenticity to his music. His tracks are powerful and his lyrics and emotions are immensely convincing.... simply put - it's real!!

Tracks like 'Happy' & 'Essential' just put me in the position to believe that Killah is dedicated to his work.. as if it was his Pre-disposed destination.. Once again solidifying his image of the Killah Priest. His name, is validated by his work. Most people would incorrectly recognize his name as a humorous Oxy-Moron, yet his fans understand its roots and presentation.

Honestly, I listened to this album a few times so far (probably 3 times), and although I presently would not award this album with a 5/5 rating.. I know that within a few days or even weeks, this LP will become attached to me like a body part. Killah Priest's work is like a Will Farrell movie. After the first viewing, you know it's good.. but after a few more, you're convinced its GREAT. Also, this presents another similarity between these two artists... they're ability to create entertainment that has immensely STRONG RE-PLAY VALUE.

Personally, I've "acquired" two other albums on the same day as 'The Offering'--(Common - Finding Forever & Kanye W's Graduation)-- and although they are both really good albums.. Killah Priest has definitely achieved the most attention.

P.S. -- Canibus' Verse on the 4 Horse-Men track 'Inner G'.. WHOAA.. No, Seriously.. WHOA..

4 years since his last album, Killah Priest returns with his 5th solo and his best to date. With one 4.5 star, two 4 star, albums and 1 I'd give 3.5, I think he out did himself on this gem. First hearing priest on GZA's 1995 classic "Liquid Swords", I've been a fan ever since. Still underrated and not well known, like many of the finer rappers in my opinion, I think he is an exceptional lyricist with deep and complex lyrics and he continues his trend on this one. Also known as 1/4th of the Sunz of Man and 1/4th of the Horsemen, he shines above and beyond on this one. I'd be surprised if this isn't one of the top 3 albums of 2007, and it's nearly flawless from start to finish. With 17 songs, 4 are ok, 3 are classics, and 10 are a good, and mostly great songs. Guests are on a little under half the songs, and most hold their own. Production is also great and mostly from people I never heard of too. Jordan River Banks does 3 songs, Ciph Barker and Shakim allah each do 2 songs. MOD the Black Marvel, Arythmetic, Kount Fif, Subliminal, DJ Sane, 4th Disciple, Chucky Madness, Now & Latez, DJ Huggie, and Sam Sneed all do 1 song. A must have classic album.

#1 - 8.5
#2 - 7.5
#3 - 10 (CLASSIC -- f/ Nas -- great beat)
#4 - 10 (CLASSIC -- great beat)
#5 - 8.5 (tight beat)
#6 - 9 (f/ Hell Razah)
#7 - 10 (CLASSIC -- great beat)
#8 - 9 (f/ HORSEMEN {Ras Kass, Canibus & Kurupt (who has an unusually weak verse)
#9 - 8
#10 - 8.5 (f/ Hell Razah -- nice beat)
#11 - 9 (about his struggles in the rap game)
#12 - 6.5
#13 - 9 (f/ Blood Sport & Immortal Technique -- good beat)
#14 - 7.5 (f/ Zariya)
#15 - 10 (CLASSIC -- f/ Starry James -- nice beat, deep song and story)
#16 - 9 (tight beat)
#17 - 7 (f/ Obadiah & Hell Razah)

Walter Reed -- Brooklyn, NY
check al my reviews

This album is a great buy. You will not be sorry if story telling raps is your thing. On "truth b told" Killah Priest implies that he truly and honestly is underrated(which I do believe) and record labels treat him like he is stupid. This song is one of my favorites, you can hear Killah's anger but instead of going all over the place on the track he channels it and sounds focused. Of course it was a great treat to hear two of the best story tellers on the same track "Gun For Gun" which features NaS is an instant CLASSIC, The fast pace beat makes you fell as though you are ducking in between cars during a shootout. "Standstill" is another gem that puts greats with greats that you would only dream for. Bloodsport, and Technique bless this track plushly. Although this is a great album there are a couple of low points that put a kink in it. "Inner G" features the infamous 4 Horseman but honestly they don't gel together too well on this one especially Kurupt. He sounds like he is just trying way too hard to be in the same key of rhyming as Priest and Canibus, Ras Kass is not much better either. After that below average track passes the album rises again with tracks like "Happy" which is actually very inspirational, and sounds like something the great Tupac would put out(when alive). The albums only gets high with another favorite of mine "Essential". Priest explains with deep metaphors and similes that everything is important in this world, no matter who you are everything is essential. Overall I strongly recommend "The Offering" because it shows that legends can still be hungry, and can still bring something new to the game and die hard fanatics.

I just got this album today, and already i've listened to it 5 or 6 times all the way through.. the wordplay is incredible, the production is awesome, and i think we can all be pleased with KP's long awaited Offering. I highly recommend this CD to any KP or Wu Tang fan.

The Offering is probably Killah Priest's best work since Heavy Mental. The beats are hard hitting and underground, the lyrics are on point and spiritual as usual, and his delivery is consistent as always. This is a Wu album for the underground, not much club music to be found here. Some highlights include "Gun For Gun" featuring Nas, where Priest actually holds his own with the legend, "How Many" where KP takes a simple beat and aggressively compares himself to legends such as Rakim and G Rap, "Melodic Part 2" a weird type of concept track with Hell Razah, "Inner G" is an amazing collaboration with the 4 Horsemen, and "Osirus Eyes" which is Priest using a different flow very effectively. Quite simply, if you are a fan of the Wu or Underground hip hop in general, you need this album.

I like his "Heavy Mental" and "Behind The Stained Glass" and "The Offering" Albums alot! Although i like the first two mentioned more.
The Unique thing about Killah Priest is his Knowledge along with his keen artistic lyrics. Many people try to box him into being a religious label. They try to interpret him as being a Hebrew Israelite from their own limited fundamental perceptions. Yes, even some of those who claim to be advanced hip hop heads fall short. They assume just because he references them in some of his lyrics that he is religiously one of them;
Well he also references Dr.Malachi York in his lyrics(Now does that all of a sudden make him a Nuwaubian!)He also uses the bible as a reference(Now does that all of a sudden make him a Christian!)He references Chi Kung(Now does that all of a sudden make him a Kung Fu Tai Chi Master!)He references Clarence X(Now does that all of a sudden make him a 5%er!)Although he identifies with them alot! He references Louis Farrakhan(Now does that all of a sudden make him a Muslim!)He references the Dalai Lama(Now does that all of a sudden make him a Buddhist!)He references the Human Chakras(Now does that all of a sudden make him a Yogi!)He references out of body experience(Now does that all of a sudden make him a Mystic!)The point is this: A person can rap about different aspects of things. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the person is to be labelled what they're rapping about.

So if people truly took time to really both analyze and discern his lyrics. Then they would plainly hear in his lyrics that he doesnt claim to be a Hebrew Israelite(Just because Black People were/are the original jews)
He's versatile in his delivery. He is more so emceeing about connecting the dots towards the universal aspects within all things. So stop assuming that he is a Hebrew Israelite. Because you're misleading both yourself and worse of all others.

I have been meaning to post this for some time. Somebody's gotta say it, cause I ain't hearing it enough. Killah Priest? Man dude is SOOOO underrated (even by die hard Wu Tang fans) that it should be punishable by death. Just kidding, sort of. Seriously though, the man is a monster! Anybody in the mainstream would be punished if they went up against this cat. This CD is just incredible. His flow (as usual) is incredible; he has some ill guest on it; and the beats are killer too. Inner G has one of the craziest beats ever. Canibus & Priest rip the ish out of that one. I been saying it for sometime that people sleep on Priest, Childs, and Razah. They need to wake up for real! Those are def a few of my top picks from the Wu Tang family.

This album is a really good one from Killah Preist. I do not suggest it for everyone though because it is a deep, thinking mans album. there is no rah-rah. just Hard beats and even harder lyrics. I would buy the cheapest album you can find from killa preist and see if you feel him first. (he never came out with a wack album) and if you can comprehend it then buy all of his albums...