I’ve been a Median fan since the first time I heard the 9th Wonder-produced “Comfortable” back in 2006. I believe that was the second song I ever heard from the Justus League Collective, right behind Little Brother’s “Whatever You Say”. Interestingly enough, I was all about the songs and not the artist. But when “Median’s Relief” dropped in ’07, I was completely onboard.
With so much time between releases, it’s easy to expect and artists to ‘shift’ their style to align more with the current state of the industry. Todays constant lack of emphasis on lyrical content and more on ‘catchy’ hooks, presents an interesting dilemma for todays Hip-Hop artist. Is there a comfortable medium between ‘fame’ and ‘the art form’? I don’t know how much milage Median will get in the world of MTV and Clear Channel radio, but his fans with rejoice with “The Sender”.
| Special featuring YahZarah + Phonte + Bahamadia |
Real talk: This is one of my favorite releases of the year, so far. It doesn’t hurt that the production was done by some of my favorite producers: 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Kev Brown, Zo! and Amp. Solid tracks done by Fatin “10″ Horton and Astronote round out the solid production list. Somehow they managed to keep the production under each producer’s personality, yet keep the entire project cohesive.
The mix of Jamla and Foreign Exchange Music guest artists is a dream come true. Coming from the FE camp, I’d expect excellent input from Zo!, Yahzarah, Sy Smith and Phonte (new Tigallo, new Tigallo..). And then you bring over Jamla alumn Sundown, Big Remo, Rapsody, King Mez and Halo, an it guarantees quality performances from both artists AND producers. AND just when you think it’s done, throw in a spot from Philly legend, Bahamadia and you’re good.
All in all, this is another in the long long of solid, quality hits coming out of the Foreign Exchange camp. Normally I’d call out a few songs that I like the most, but that wouldn’t do “The Sender” justice. This is one of the few Hip-Hop projects that can actually qualify as a ‘project’. If you’re like me and watching your pennies, this is a no brainer. If you’re a FE Music fan, just pick it up and thank me later.
Purchase “The Sender” Online
+FE Music Store | iTunes | Amazon
Tracklist
01. Take A Chance feat. Phonte
02. Bright Individual
03. Open My Thoughts
04. Turn Ya On feat. Phonte and Big Remo
05. Crazy Visions
06. Okie Dokers feat. Khrysis
07. Fresh Breath feat. Sundown of Actual Proof and King Mez
08. Sizzlin feat. Rapsody
09. Right On feat. Halo
10. Hi Five
11. Special feat. Phonte, YahZarah, and Bahamadia
12. Kiss the Sky feat. Sy Smith
13. The Sender
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