| Defining the enigmatic Labtekwon's personality is virtually impossible, but this hip-hop emcee has definitely been swimming in the same genetic pool as Sun Ra and Kool Keith. Bent on interstellar hip-hop travels and sharp stylistic changes, Labtekwon revels in a plethora of fantastic beats as his powerful vocal delivery ensures a high-class product, track after track. If you've searched your hip-hop mags and are left scratching your head, wondering "Who in the hell is Labtekwon?" you're by no means alone. Though Labtekwon has been cranking out quality material since 1993, little of it has been distributed outside his home scene. Song of the Sovereign collects several tracks from Lab's catalog of self-released albums, acting as both a Best of and an introduction to his work. While the world of truly independent hip-hop continues to shrink, and crap rappers dominate the charts, secure behind mega studio equipment and inundated with more pot than they could possibly smoke, Labtekwon accents his two most important traits: his sauntering, beat-based rhymes and his ability to generate a highbrow, intellectual atmosphere that casts him above the hordes of sucka emcees and wannabe freestylers. "Modern Day Messenger" shames the majority of one track rap purveyors, splicing frenetic horns with spiritual significance. Labtekwon sounds as comfortable discussing his Baby Mother as he is popping in and out of surging bass lines and thumping beats. "Darkside of the Sun" recalls A Tribe Called Quest, its scholarly words dancing between a mix of suave synths and retro record fuzz, maintaining a levelheaded approach that's defiantly funky. Labtekwon brings to mind Ol' Dirty Bastard on "My Crew" and "Perversion," as the smutty grooves and silky rhymes plod along like a slow-cruising car, backed by nasty beats and bass lines that'll raise your brows and inspire a few "did he really say that?" remote control u-turns. Sure, it's a pretty bold move to release an anthology of recordings when the majority of the listening public hasn't heard of you before. In this case, Song of the Sovereign demonstrates the sheer talent of this Baltimore-born hip-hopper. Instead of spinning the latest half-hearted rap rehash record, look for Lab's fresh beats and free-spirited mindframe, backed by tasty tape loops and undeniably sublime rhyming. Labtekwon assimilates all the great things about hip-hop and adds a hefty splash of his own personality. Whether he's invoking the primal instincts of sexual attraction, exploring ancient mythology or jacking you into a full-on planetary orbit, Lab never loses your interest. He's esoteric enough to invite curious minds, yet mindful of becoming a one-trick, wacko emcee who can only keep your attention with ridiculous manifestations of word and personality. Give the Lab a listen; hip-hop this good shouldn't be, and ultimately can't be, ignored forever. - Splendid |
2XLP/Out Of Print