Caspa & Rusko - Fabriclive 37

The number of sub-genres beginning to appear in the electronic music field is becoming almost as difficult to comprehend as the expansion of the universe. In 2007 another new genre known as “dubstep” emerged from the UK underground into the mainstream with the release of Fabriclive 37 featuring Caspa and Rusko. Dubstep draws its influence from several other electronic genres including drum and bass, dub, and grime as well as some organic genres such as reggae and hip-hop. The foundation of the music is built on a polyrhythm of 4/4 rhythm sections layered over 6/8 bass lines. Syncopation is also a key element to the music as accents are often placed on off beats giving a feeling of unstable rhythm. Sonically, the bass lines used in Fabriclive 37 could be described as what a robot might sound like sitting on a toilet after a meal of bad sushi. To say the least, the sound is a bit unsettling. The melodic portions of the music include a wide variety of styles and instruments. The opening track on the album entitled “Girl From the Codrine City” features a jazzy saxophone melody while the album’s second track, “Cockney Violin,” incorporates a classical sound with the use of violin and flute melodies. Other tracks include soothing reggae style vocals comparable to what might be found on a Bob Marley album. Overall the melodic portions of Fabriclive 37 are pleasing to the ear, but the strange bass lines are likely to leave the listener wondering where to find the nearest bathroom.

Chicago's Brightest Star of Hip-Hop

Lupe Fiasco’s 2007 album “The Cool” started out looking like a complete waste of time. The introduction was okay, but the first few songs seemed like nothing more than the “I’m full of myself” crap that we have come to expect from Chicago hip-hop artists (Yes Kanye, that one is directed at you). Let’s give him a break though, with lyrics like “got my hood riding high on 28’s” he has to be one of the most innovative artists out there today. Honestly, who has ever heard a rap song about rims before? Lupe’s singing left a bit to be desired at the end of “Paris, Tokyo” as well. But just as this album seemed like it should be thrown to the trash heap along side Lil Jon’s “Kings of Crunk” and Kanye West’s “College Dropout” something strange happened. Inspirational and influential music started pouring out of the speakers as “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” started playing. It came as quite a relief to hear hip-hop vocal content that did not center around big butts, a Cadillac on 22 inch rims, or one’s helium inflated ego. “Intruder Alert” continues the quality section of the album with a very emotional story of a girl who had been raped and her attempt to trust again. The song also includes a stellar vocal performance by guest singer Sarah Green. “Streets On Fire” is also one of the best songs on the album with its driving beat and lyrics that actually require the listener to think about what the message may be that lies behind it all. The next few songs show the darker sides of the world and describe the problems plaguing inner-city neighborhoods. Overall, if you can get past the first eight songs, this album does go beyond the stereotypical crap that most hip-hop has become and is actually worth listening to.