Stones Throw emcee Medaphoar, a.k.a. M.E.D., has finished his second official solo album, following 2005's "Push Come to Shove". The first Album spawned one of my favourite tunes of the last decade (Can’t hold On) so I was excited to hear what he had been working on for so long. The somewhat bold title, whether or not you think this joint lives up it is a pretty good album.
This new project clocks in at 41:47 total running time - not overly long, I mean it’s barely one side of a D-90. That time is spread out over 14 tracks, 10 of which are produced by his Stones Throw co-hort, Madlib who possibly understands M.E.D the best when it comes to beats.
Alchemist, Oh No, Kareem Riggins and Georgia-Anne Muldrow make up the other producers on this album whilst the guest features come from Label Mate Planet Asia, Kurupt and Talib Kweli.
There's plenty to appreciate about Classic, given that M.E.D. is far from a whack MC. I’ve often thought that he should have garnered more shine by now but listening to this project, he seems somewhat uninventive in terms of his lyricism, whether this is a result of the time frame involved in getting to this sophomore project I’m not sure.
Much like his first album, It’s the quality of production that really helps him out, especially given Madlib is the only man on the boards from track 6 until the finale. "Get that" has a pleasant Middle Eastern influence; "Blaxican" is something of filler as far as I’m concerned and has no real place on this album. "Outta Control" bangs on intentionally overproduced drums for a modern day boom bap sound, and "Flying High" lives up to its name by being a light and breezy affair.
You can't go wrong with most of these tracks, from the chunky West coast funk of "Where I'm from" featuring rapperturntsinga (damn you T-pain) Aloe Blacc. The silky smooth vibe of "1 Life 2 Live" is also one of my favourites.
Energy and good vibes are abound on this project and M.E.D. certainly has them on production – this helps elevate him and this album as a whole. The title track is actually worthy of its moniker with veteran MC Talib Kweli on the assist they do a little reminiscing about the music we all know and love. Karriem Riggins keeps things relatively subdued on the production tip and this tune will stand the test of time and become worthy of it’s title one day.
It’s hard to tell, after just a couple listens, whether this good record is dope and has truly timeless appeal, but this I know for certain: this joint is worthy of your cash.
M.E.D- Classic is available on 1st November on Stones Throw at all good Audio retailers.
The Eminence Grise
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