Customer Reviews

The Pick, The Sickle And The Shovel

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've always been a massive fan of the Wu Tang Clan and their affliated artists. They've left their mark on hip hop like a scar - it's never going away. One of the things I love about the Wu are the groups that have formed along the journey and the way they always drop powerful installments - eg. Gravediggaz and "The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel". It's been refreshing in 2004 to take a trip back to '97 and hear a group that was rapping their thoughts. Unfortunately, the thoughts have become lost over the years.

The poetic flow and the deepness of the lyrics shines on this album. This is a major plus, but the biggest plus is the beats. In the words of Masta Killa after dropping his debut "No Said Date" - "RZA has always had bangin' beats". RZA is one of my favourite all time producers and I love every second of this album because of it. Prince Paul's prescence behind the boards is hardly there, which is a surprise having heard his amazing work on their debut. Besides this, he's barely their in the rhymes. This is a big dissopointment, but Poetic and Fruhwan more than make up for it, as they rap about exsistence, life in the ghetto and about the loved one they've lost in their lives.

Something I look for in the music I buy is the hooks, and these are captivating but not commercial. They also drop bombs on each and every track, with their lyrical superiority shining through on the dark "Never Gonna Come Back", "The Night The Earth Cried" & on the bloodsoaked RZA solo "Twelve Jewelz". They prophesize and question the morality of the world, but at the same time spark thoughts about how violence is affecting everyone and how the ghetto's affected them.

This is one of the most serious and thought provoking albums I've ever heard, and each time I play "The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel" I always find myself obsorbed in their amazing talent. In my opinion, this is one of the most incredible, mature and powerful albums in rap history.

RZA has taken some of the subjects he played on with the Wu and bought them through with the Gravediggaz. I love everything about the album and it's remained a classic favourite throughout the years.

For any Wu tang Clan fan, this is a must. For everyone whoes a rap fan, this is a must. For a very brief period, the Gravediggaz were hitting powerfully, but unfortunately the rap circle just wasn't hearing or feeling it.

It's been pretty much established exactly how incredibly talented everyone even remotely associated with the Wu-Tang Clan is, and yet it bears repeating again with the release of this CD - the RZA is GOD!

No joke, not even on pure-bred Wu-Tang Clan albums have you heard as incredibly intricate yet smooth lyrical flows as you will here. Poetic, the Grym Reaper, mostly abandons the sing-song style he employed on the first album to concentrate on selling his flow using no gimmicks besides a seemingly-bottomless vocabulary (my favorite verse: "an archangel imprisoned my soul into a prism / using techniques of molecular collision and cell division"...not exactly standard hip-hop fare nowadays). Frukwon the Gate Keeper simply has a great flow, which really didn't change at all from the first album.

But the superstar on here is definitely the RZA. His solo track "Twelve Jewelz" is perhaps a bit too short, but still one of my canidates for "Best Rap Song Ever"...I can't listen to it enough. His unbelivably deep lyrics have firmly convinced me, no matter what his political leanings might be, to vote for him as Ruler of All Existence, if that election ever takes place. He is definitely worthy. Imagine a rapper almost putting Killah Priest to shame...yeah, he comes that close to having the perfect flow.

Oh yeah, and the production by the RZA, and Prince Paul, is top-notch. I enjoyed it so much more than the barely above-average work on Wu-Tang Forever. Bottom-line, get this right now.

I used to listen to this a lot back in the day, recently dusted it off and it's still awesome. Very unique in that they sort of position themselves as superhero vigilantes exacting violent retribution on behalf of the weak and downtrodden against their oppressors. It's a great concept. Poetic and Frukwan handle most of the rhyme duties and they do it well, with sharp intelligence and intricate wordplay track after track, they especially flex their rapping muscles on "dangerous mindz", which features some really jaw dropping verses. The beats are hot too, "da bomb" and "pit of snakes" are a couple of absolute bangers. A near-classic.

The first time I heard The Pick, the Sickle, and the Shovel I did not enjoy it as much as 6 Feet Deep. Thankfully the sick flows on Da Bomb made me keep plugging it back in, and after awhile I realized there was so much more to the album. It's not the same style as their first album by any means and if you're expecting that then you're only setting yourself up to be disapointed. On the other hand, if you are willing to listen to it from a fresh point of view you will find this is one of the most underrated hip hop albums ever.

This album ranks as one of the biggest disappointments in my whole collection. In my opinion, the only thing worse than a bad group is a group with the potential to be good who turns out bad. Case in point: Gravediggaz' _The Pick, The Sickle, and The Shovel_.

The Gravediggaz' first album, _6 Feet Deep_, was so good. The production on it was so well done and the lyrics were different and original. It was also very fun to listen to- the scary graveyard gimmick really set the Gravediggaz apart from other groups. But no more.

On _The Pick, The Sickle, and The Shovel_, very little of what I think was there in the original manifestation of the Gravediggaz is present. No more tombstones, no more eeriness. The album is very 'serious'. Yes, it does have to do with death, but for a group that was joking about suicide on their first album, this raises a cynical eyebrow.

On one of the songs, someone's girlfriend gets shot, and there is lots of mourning and grieving about "Why does it have to be this way?" and things like that. It is not fun at all. Worse yet: it isn't very different from Wu Tang. Don't get me wrong, I like some of the Wu Tang stuff, but Gravediggaz are NOT Wu Tang and when I buy a Gravediggaz album I don't want to hear Wu Tang.

If you are expecting the music to pick up the shovel where the lyrics did not, then don't hold your breath. The album is, for the most part, produced by RZA's production team "The Elements" (being Fourth Disciple, Truemaster, and Goldfinghaz), who (suprise, suprise) also produce a lot of stuff for solo Wu Tang members, or ARE Wu Tang members themselves. And it shows. They produced most of the album.

Sometimes I wonder if RZA is trying to turn Gravediggaz into and extension of Wu Tang. Fruikwan, the Gatekeeper, sounds like he is doing his best Method Man impression! I like Method Man a lot, but let him join Gravediggaz if he wants and save the impersonations.

Too Poetic, the Grym Reaper, has abandoned his "crazy" gimmick. Now he's as serious as the RZA, he probably just didn't have as much control as him.

Now is a good time to point out that Prince Paul had *NEXT TO NOTHING* to do with this album (and it shows as well). Nobody believes this, but even the credits show that he only helped in writing two songs on the album, and he did music for ONE track, and that was the outro (which was one of the songs that he co-wrote).

By the way, Prince Paul, The Undertaker, never once on either Gravediggaz album referred to himself as "Dr. Strange".

Oh, by the way, before this album came out, there were rumors that Prince Paul had left the group and that Shabazz the Disciple had joined or taken his place (ha!). Shabazz is on the album A LOT, and Prince Paul is NOT. I'm not saying the rumor is true, but lets just say that there's a reason the rumor got started. Its funny that in the intro, they mention Shabazz, while the Undertaker is with them "in spirit".

There are a couple of cool tracks on the album. I like the music in "Unexplained" and "Elimination Process". The only other songs that I can really listen to are the ones that sound like imitations of _6 Feet Deep_ songs ("Intro" and "Repentance Day" come to mind). I think the album would have been decent if it were relesed as a four song E.P. with the above tracks.

I used to really think RZA was the coolest. _Tical_, _Bobby Digital_, and _36 Chambers_ were great. Many of his remixes are very cool. He is really talented, but now he is trying to become the "leader" of the Gravediggaz and it is clear to me that it is because the group's co-founder, Prince Paul wants less and less to do with Gravediggaz.

I almost don't know if I want Gravediggaz to release another album or not. It appears that with _The Pick, The Sickle, and The Shovel_, that they have already dug their own grave.

Although 6 Feet Deep (aka Niggamortis) is more highly acclaimed than any other Gravediggaz album, "The Pick, the Sickle, and the Shovel" is a really good pickup from the group being their final release together alongside RZA, the Rzarector. Obviously later, the group count silently fell into just Frukwan after he and Too Poetic finished Nightmare in A-Minor because in that same year (2001) was the death of Too Poetic (da Grym Reaper), RZA had full absence in Nightmare in A-Minor, and Prince Paul (da Undertaker AKA Dr. Strange) only having done another featurette like on here. Nonetheless, this album was the final reunion of the whole Gravediggaz members after 2 to 3 years since their debut, only releasing The Hell E.P. (featuring Tricky) in 1995.

"The Pick, the Sickle, and the Shovel" is a highly underrated album, seeing as how the lyrics went real descriptive in some tracks and the production overall was more onbeat by The RZA and The Wu Elements (of Wu Tang Productions); not saying that 6 Feet Deep/Niggamortis overall was offbeat. Although Prince Paul was barely here (12. Hidden Emotions, 15. Outro), you do have Wu Affiliates that have done excellent work on production with Gravediggaz having good resources and verses were excellent in overall done by usually RZA, (Frukwan da) Gatekeeper, and (Too Poetic da) Grym Reaper. Poetic was even on some production here himself (04. Unexplained, 10. Elimination Process, 11. Repentance Day) with one done by Frukwan (14. Deadliest Biz; which in Nightmare in A-Minor, the production is mainly done by both of them).

Like said before by one of the reviewers, listen to this more than once if not satisfied the first time. Highest I can rate this is a 4.5; some unforgettable and original tracks here.

1. Intro (Produced by The RZA) 1:17
The crew still credited Prince Paul to participate in the album nonetheless, as Grym said "spiritually".
2. Dangerous Mindz (Prod. by Fourth Disciple and RZA) (9/10) 4:54
Very good production, sick lyrics and metaphors. Good production by 4th Disciple.
3. Da Bomb (Prod. by Truemaster) (8/10) 4:08
Straight beat with a real good rhythm, very good lyrics. Has a chorus like "6 Feet Deep" from Niggamortis/6 Feet Deep.
4. Unexplained (Prod. by Poetic for Sharpshooter Productions) (10/10) 3:00
Hardcore lyrics to a softer production style, but that doesn't change how hot the beat itself is.
5. Twelve Jewelz (Prod. by Darkim) (8/10) 2:51
A RZA solo track. Really cool beat and RZA continues this whole song with no chorus. Well deserved.
6. Fairytalez (ft. Kelis Rogers) (Prod. by Goldfinghaz) (10/10) 4:46
Excellent production, resources, and lyrics with very clever metaphors, deep chorus. A must-hear.
7. Never Gonna Come Back (Prod. by Goldfinghaz) (8/10) 3:48
Another excellent production however smooth beat. Sad and slow but clean lyrics by the group. Credit to Barry White - Love Serenade.
8. Pit of Snakes (Prod. by Truemaster and The RZA) (7/10) 4:19
Decent production, real good lyrics. Grym Reaper's final verse was the best here.
9. The Night the Earth Cried (Prod. by 4th Disciple and The RZA) (9/10) 4:33
To me, it's hard whether to just say this is a 10 or 9. But I'll just go by here. Although the track isn't as hyped as the other ones, the verses are are incredible and descriptive. The production is slower; decent chorus.
10. Elimination Process (ft. Omen and The Aleem Brothers, Shabazz The Disciple) (Prod. by Poetic) (8/10) 5:36
Above average lyrics, above average production. Grym Reaper starts hyped here, as Frukwan makes a real hard verse here. Omen continues the track flowing, Shabazz carries the track up and Grym makes a cold finish to the chorus.
11. Repentance Day (ft. Hell Razor, Killah Priest, and Sunz of Man) (Prod. by Poetic) (10/10) 5:18
Although Poetic/Grym Reaper is the only Gravediggaz member on this track, Hell Razor and Killah Priest really lifted this track up excellently.
12. Hidden Emotions (ft. Truemaster) (10/10) 6:17
The track starts off in a skit (I think by Frukwan/Da Gatekeeper). Excellent production, real lyrics in all verses. Truemaster put some lyrics down here. Prince Paul was credited in the track here of Prince Pawl Musick.
13. What's Goin' On (ft. Blue Raspberry and 9th Prince) (9/10) 4:33
Excellent production, as the background vocals is done by Blue Raspberry with above average lyrics overall. Really good chorus.
14. Deadliest Biz (Prod. by Frukwan) (8/10) 3:02
Although it's kept short, the lyrics are pretty hype, pretty good. Catchy beat to flow. Frukwan did most of the work here but Grym had more than half of the verses here.
15. Outro (Prod. by Prince Paul) 1:19

These extra tracks are from the IMPORT/Japanese version through Sony Entertainment of Japan and V2 Records Japan:
16. The Night the Earth Cried (Ultimatum Remix)* (9/10) 5:18
Although the remix does carry the rhythm to the artists' flow real well, I don't think it makes it better but it's a real good extra.
17. Unexplained (Hasz Remix)* (9/10) 3:13
To you, it can be better or worse than the original. I obviously chose the latter if you paid attention to my little number ratings. The beat makes the verses take that track as if it's that "intelligent rap". Reminds me of Cyclops 3000 (see Sir Menelik). But still a good track to hear.
18. The Night the Earth Cried (Diamond J Remix)* (10/10) 5:04
The beat here fits to the lyrics; real catchy rhythm as the melody got that horror movie keyboard whine. Excellently here. I prefer this than to the Ultimatum Remix. Diamond J apparently became the new member the Gravediggaz. See the review on Nightmare in A-Minor for more details.

Like said before, if you didn't like this the first time - peep it again. Give it a chance. As for more Gravediggaz, peep out my review on Nightmare in A-Minor. Nightmare in A-Minor, which is the last (official) album done by The Gravediggaz, focuses more on the less rated artists since they did most of the work: Too Poetic and Frukwan. So check that out if you want more music by Da Grym Reaper and Da Gatekeeper. Obviously, for more of Prince Paul and The RZA, look into Wu-Tang again and Prince Paul's many features and solo albums.

This is a cd; that is not at all like their first cd - but powerful none the less. From the opening track 2 - Dangerous Mindz i think its called - lyrical MEANING is on display on this lp. I was blown away when the gatekeeper opened up his verse on track 4 in arabic; and not only that but making complete powerful since [if you can understand arabic phrases]. Then the RZA comes right on on Track 5 and drops some major knowledge and wise words for open ears who take the time to listen and apply... Track 12's intro is supertight how the action is incorporated into the beat - and 13 and 14 both come with plenty of jewels more precious than diamonds and pearls. The only knock is i think they couldve done without track 8 - i dont like that one at all. But this cd is basically for your mind ~ maybe to open it somewhat - you will either have major love for them after this; or major hate depending on your view of the world. But regardless - it is in my top 4 all time cds; just because of the mental health and variety it brings - the lyrics are its foundation. PEACE!

Let me serve as the warning to all: If you liked the first Gravediggaz album, DO NOT BUY THIS ONE. It is ABSOLUTLELY NOTHING like "Six Feet Deep." The Gravediggaz started to take themselves and their genre seriously on this album, and it falls flat on its face, more than once, if that's possible. Prince Paul (the driving force behind the terrific musicality of the first album) produces ONE SONG on this album, and it's the OUTRO. The rest of the production is handled (actually, MIShandled would be a better way to say it) by RZA's Wu-trainees (4th Disciple, Goldfinghaz, TruMaster) who are mediocre at BEST. The tracks throughout almost the entire album are bland beyond belief, and the rappers are way too concerned with the ills of ghetto life for this to be any fun at all in the way that the first album was. There are a couple bright spots. The production on "Unexplained" is pretty good, and "Fairytalez" has some alright music backing it, but otherwise, the album is a bust. This was the biggest disappoint of any album I've bought. I really hope Prince Paul comes back for the third go-round. Much as I hate to say it, don't buy this album.

This album is straight ill! This and 6 Feet Deep are the illest ones! Check this album out no doubt, if you liked 6 Feet Deep there is no doubt in my mind youll be feelin this album for sure no doubt. Better beats on this album. RZA produces mad good and sh**. Just check this out thats all I gotta say. Some people say that this album isnt as grimey as 6 Feet Deep but please notice that its still true hiphop and good sh**. Check this now!!

My Top 5 Songs
1.Dangerous Mindz
2.Da Bomb
3.Unexplained
4.Pit Of Snakes
5.Whats Goin ON

A Brand new style from what your used to. The Gravediggaz used more thought into their material instead of the HORRORCORE STYLE from the previous. I prefer this over their debut because of the lyrical wordplay and strong production.