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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Original., January 7, 2003
I heard somebody say that 1997 was not a good year in hip hop. I disagreed with the sentiment then, and I definitely have to disagree with it now. Before I even get started talking about this album, just let me tell you what the bottom line is: go buy this right now. I'll wait. You can read this when you get back. Now... where were we? Ah, yes. One Day It'll All Make Sense. Now, let's see, what can I say by way of introduction? One Day It'll All Make Sense is by The Artist Formally Known As Common Sense (apparently, it's just Common now). He first made a big splash with "I Used to Love H.E.R." a single about how hiphop had evolved from fun-lovin' party music topolitically aware messages from the heart, head and street, but had begun to slide into gangsta-inspired nihilism. That single managed second place in the Phattest Single, Phattest Lyric, and Phattest Crossover Single categories of the 1994 New Jack Hip Hop Awards. As a rapper, Common was also nominated several times. Still, neither he nor his album, Resurrection, managed to take any awards home (although, the album did come in second for Most Slept On). I think this year will be different. Let me tell you why. Apparently, all the writing and guest spots he's done since (most notably with De La Soul on Stakes Is High) has not only helped him to hone his skillz, but something over the past few years has taught him the benefits of honest reflection. With One Day It'll All Make Sense, he has moved beyond being an MC who can make a damn good single every once in a while to a full-fledged hip hop leader. This album is not only consistent, it is absolutely amazing. The production is on point. The lyrics are creative. The flow is all that and a homemade Southern meal at Grandma's house. If you've grown tired of the commerically-minded same-ole same-ole, then this is the album for you. Even if you're perfectly happy with the state of hip hop, you will want to pick this up. Trust me on this. When the youngsters of 2004 are yabbering about MC Popular's latest remix sampling Bell Biv Devoe's biggest hit, you will stop them and say, "Man, you don't know Jack. You want to hear real hip hop? Then check out Common's One Day It'll All Make Sense." Yep. This is a classic in the making. In a few years, the true headz who know better will be putting this on the same list with It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back, Paid in Full, Criminal Minded, Strictly Business, and all the rest. Buy this album. If you don't, I may have to take away your Hip Hop Nation membership card. Seriously, you're supposed to support a brother when he puts out something this personal and this good. If you don't, you'll have no one to blame but yourself when Hip Hop stops being original, creative and interesting. Although the "Stolen Moments" series, "Retrospect for Life", "G.O.D.," "My City," "Real Nigga Quotes," "Gettin' Down At The Ampitheater," and "1 '2 Many..." are standouts, each and every track is mad nice. This is an album to listen to, not just a collection of a few good tracks and some filler. The concepts are good, the lyrics are good, the band is good and the DJ is downright sinster. In other words, it just don't get no betta. This is the best album of the year by a good bit. There's not a wasted note or word anywhere. In terms of honest spirtuality, and distinct approach this is the Peace Beyond Passion of Hip Hop and in terms of what you probably care about--Hip Hop Authenticity--this may very well be the It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back of the early nineties. Yeah, I said it. Bottom line: you may be made to think, you may be made to dance, you may be entertained, but whatever you'll be, you won't be disappointed. Damn. I knew there was a reason I still loved Hip Hop.
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