Customer Reviews

The Visualz

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

 

 

This is a re release of the 1996 debut album by Siah & Yeshua dapoed. The record was originally released by Fondle 'Em Records. Fondle 'Em Records was a highly respected NY hip hop label that had a policy of only releasing stuff on vinyl. To make it worse, they didn't make too many copies of their vinyl. That is why any hip hop fan who wanted to add this to his/her collection would have had to shell out at least $60 to grab the record (if they could find someone willing to part with their copy). Luckily, 2008 saw this released as CD for the very first time. Now for the first time more than a handful people on the planet actually have the opportunity to hear this album.
What you get here is pure jazz-inflected NYC rap. Tracks 1-11 are stellar and were the only tracks on the original vinyl release. After track 11 you get bonus material including some freestyles recorded for a radio program back in the day. That material is more sketchy and breaks up the strong vibe the album started out with. Production-wise you got stuff that sounds influenced by Pete Rock and Large Pro. However, I really dig the particular jazz samples used on this album and I like they way those samples were used. Call me insane, but I like the production on this album more than I like most Pete Rock and Large Pro produced tracks. The rap is good 4/5. One of the MCs has better flow than the other, neither of them talk about stupid ****, so that is plus.
Though I admit that the rapping on this album is in the same league as that on Illmatic or 36 Chambers, I still give this 5 stars because the production just does it for me. Makes me want to find out what other hidden gems were released on Fondle 'Em records...

I like this, "The Visualz Anthology". I never heard of this New York duo to be honest before listening to this album. They bring back so much of the early 90s, even 80s providing you a historic perspective. The album was released in 1996 so I believe this is a re-release. I live this 20-track album, it's good for your health.

My favorite tracks include "The Visualz", "Untitled", "Transatlantic" and "Hairy Bird Reprise". It's just a well-developed album by two very conscious and gifted MCees. I highly recommend it for all Hip-Hop fans.

this cd is excellect. the visualz anthology is a must-have. a true collector's item. track 6 is a excellect track. definately the best track off the cd. it has different beats and is parelle in the hip hop world. then track 15 is so so really excellent. i love the whole album from start to finish. track 1-6 is so lovely and full of jazzy loops. what a masterpiece. then track 7 and 8 is a true dimepiece. definately s mics. this album should be on the source 100 best hip hop albums. it definately takes jazz rap to another level. the true beauty of the soulfulness of the album is breath taking. if you don't know about or have this album what are you nuts, go out and buy it, it will blow your mind.