Kool A.D. – 51

Rappers love talking about being the realest in the game. About how none of their actions are dictated by societal pressures or whatever else forces one to act “non-authentically”. But here’s a newsflash: if you have to talk about being real, you aren’t and you never will be.

Kool A.D. (a.k.a. Victor Vazquez) raps repetitively, annoyingly and honestly. The album, like Vic, is California born and bred with a touch of New York, lest you forget where he developed his chops. The album is produced for the most part by Amaze 88 whose use of melodic and eclectic samples (Mr. Rogers and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” being the most recognizable) are smooth and don’t overpower the subtle nature of Vic. There are some anti-capitalist sentiments in addition to his serious concern over the media empire and the government. If it’s starting to sound like a chaotic rant then you get the picture. But there are also some bangers: “Manny Pacquiao” and “La Pi̱ata” most notably. Vic may not be the most organized on a track for track basis but armed with his soft, commanding voice and talented friends, the album is worth a listen. Hell, you might even learn a thing or two.

By Trey Owens