Review Summary: Another solid addition to one of the most consistent discographies of the genre
Oxnard, California producer Oh No has spent most of his career in the shadow of older brother Otis Jackson (aka Madlib), which is unfortunate; his discography has been equally as consistent, if not as profound.
Ohnomite is no exception as one of the most impressive pure producer records since Black Milk's 2008 genre statement in
Tronic. The younger Jackson takes cues from Black, but also infuses a lot of east coast techniques with his own brand of west coast funk. It really is no surprise; after producing Raekwon's incredible "Every Soldier in the Hood" last year, it seems that Oh No really immersed himself in the current NYC underground scene on projects like Gangrene (with NY staple Alchemist). Fortunately,
Ohnomite pulls a lot less from the latter than the former, as Gangrene's most recent offering
Vodka & Ayahuasca emulated the feel of an Alchemist record in terms of production with Oh No merely along for the ride.
No, there's not an ounce of straight up, ripped-from-the-90s boom bap to found within the confines of
Ohnomite, and it's much better for it. As with his recent records, there is an overall sonic concept Oh No adheres to - this time using samples from 70s blaxploitation film
Dolemite. Regardless of the source, his trademark syncopated future-funk goes in full force, but with a bit of a more forceful east coast bite. No's rapping hasn't especially improved since 2006's
Exodus Into Unheard Rhythms, but remains serviceable. The various featured emcees (also featured with well-drawn comic iterations on the album art) do much to enhance the lyrical component here, especially Detroit mainstays Guilty Simpson and Frank Nitty - but also the NYC connection via DOOM, Chino XL, Roc Marciano, and so on.
Ohnomite is another solid addition to a growing, consistent discography. At this rate, we may be remembering another Michael Jackson for his impact on music history, albeit not on such a colossal scale.
