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Hezekiah
I Predict A Riot
Rawkus/Soulspazm Records
Release Date: 09/18/2007
Hezekiah teamed up with Rawkus and Soulspazm Records to release his sophomore album I Predict A Riot. Hezekiah has gained mass appeal by his works with Musiq Soulchild, Bilal and Bahamadia, and has now come to create an even bigger stir in the music industry. Fusing his influences of country music, Quincy Jones, and Kool G Rap, it is no wonder that the prodigy of Delaware's only hip hop crew is creating a scene.
The album is noticeable influenced by multiple genres, with blunt jazz, soul, R&B and classical elements. Tracks like "Wild & Wreckless" have a major jazz influence while standing up to the level of some of today's biggest stars. "Bombs Over Here" also keeps up the jazz appeal, with a great instrumental wall of sound. The track takes on a somewhat political stance, with lines like, "keep your money, save our children, bombs over here are going down."
"I Predict A Riot," featuring Keziah and E. Shon Burgundy brings the talent of females emcees, delivering a flawless verse and the fluidness needed to hold down the title track.
Following the path of the track "If One Falls," which focuses on street issues, "Ghetto People," featuring Richard Raw, Chief Kamachi and State Store, presents social awareness that talks about the music industry. The track gives insight into the cruel world of the unrightfully glamorized music business, with the line, "record labels telling me to dumb it down," while standing strong for people in the trying to make it in the ghetto.
"Gotta Love It," featuring Tarentz Moreese, starts off with the quote, "no weapon formed against me shall prosper," which sets up the ambiance for a realistic look between superficiality and education. The chorus alone is uplifting and motivating, but the opera sample keeps you mesmerized.
The album flawlessly changes personalities through its interludes. "Afro Lude" makes you want to get up and dance with its African drumming that is a bit similar to the background music heard in Afrobeat songs. "Freak" is like a modern day portrayal of a griot or old southern storytellers, speaking about individuality, saying, "they call me a freak, because I don't do what they do."
Hezekiah created an album that is bond to create a major stir in the underground world. This album is a definite must for anyone who appreciates creativity and who appreciates music that is created for music's sake. Completely living up to the level of Kanye West, J Dilla, and Madlib, Hezekiah has created an album that is truly unstoppable.
