Mac
Lethal aka McCleary Sheldon is a 26 year Kansas-born rapper who
specialises in a unique brand of edgy, sarcastic and truth-speaking
hip-hop. As the winner of the 2002 Scribble Jam MC Battle, Mac
Lethal has proven lyrical ability and lets it rip on '11:11'.
Mac Lethal is a rapper with a lot to say and let's rip by delivering
a vocal tirade against trophy wives, soccer moms, hipsters, politicians
who've been caught red-handed in compromising situations, trendy-ass
political rappers, mindless commercialism, Nigerian scammers and
everything in between.
On '11:11' listeners will be exposed to a variety
of styles, both instrumentally and vocally. The opener `Backward'
solemnly announces Mac Lethal's arrival over a solitary organ.
As the progressive beat kicks in over a mellow jazz vibe, Mac
Lethal increases tempo and provides a sharp edged and highly personal
insight into his life via a switch-heavy delivery which sees him
ride the beat giftedly. `Pound That Beer' features Mac Lethal
rapping at light speed over a uncluttered old-skool beat but the
simplistic chorus detracts from the quality rapping. The warping
and pulsating maze that is `Jihad!' see's Mac Lethal at his most
energetic whilst `Know It All' is a cynical yet meticulously observed
social commentary which is wonderfully offset with a rolling and
understated electro hook. Elsewhere, there are commercially minded
beats with a southern-twist, like the track `Die Slow', which
sees Mac Lethal switch his vocal delivery from South-side to west-coast
gangster whilst the atmospheric soundscapes, unhurried tempo and
dragging industrial beats of `Lithium Lips' shows another side
to Mac's style. Towards the end of the album, `Tell Me Goodbye'
stands out with its un-quivering wake-up call to the rap community
in which Mac Lethal preys on rappers who create tracks based on
the misfortune of others in a attempt to sell records rather than
promote a real message.
'11:11'
is a true rap album in that the lyrics convey powerful messages
and provide a social commentary on obvious (and sometimes obscure)
situations which serve to educate the listener. That being said,
the beats are pretty damn good too, with producers Seven, Lenny
D and Lazerbeak creating playful, driven and varied instrumentals
which compliment Mac Lethal's vocal delivery. It would have been
nice to see a few guest slots in order to add a touch of variation
to proceedings but that's a minor quibble. Those looking for a
hip-hop album for the headphones rather than for un-captive situations
like cruising should bag this release sharpish. (AM)
For
fans of: Sage Francis, Atmosphere
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