Review Summary: Is it getting rough enough?
Hip-hop is a rather simple concept. Speaking and rhyming rhythmically over a track is basically what there is to it. This simplicity, while refreshing occasionally, needs to be carried through by a proper MC to keep things interesting. Otherwise, said simplicity borders on dullness until succumbing to it. That’s why the perfect MC needs to have masterful lyricism, a unique flow, a bristling personality and lots of character. Using those four tools, hip-hop goes from a simple idea into a fascinating play on everything basic, as if toying around with the idea.
With this in mind, Dred Scott proves to be nothing less than outstanding.
Perhaps Scott’s most entertaining aspect as a rapper is his personality. Every bar is delivered with a specific tone as desired, providing for a very free, human, and flexible flow. On each song, it feels like Scott is talking to the listener, providing insight in a fun and almost warm way. This ability to shine through his music makes him a force to consider, as he passes through his thoughts without overstaying his welcome.
Scott coupled his personality with clever, playful lyricism and tight vocal elements. In an instance, he even yodells to spice up his wordplay. The latter is already phenomenal as is --- look at this verse from “Check the Vibe,” for instance, where imagery is used to tremendous effect:
“Tests of the strength as the young mack stare
A black queen is judged by the length of her hair
Self-hate grows and it flows like a flood
The light-skinned black's lovin the slave master's blood
To be grown up is what the young girl want
See the childhood is short like the life of a blunt
Fertilize your egg cause he whispered in your ear
But you won't have his kid cause he got nappy hair
To the game I'm true like the sun first rose
I'm real like my man Michael Jackson's first nose
Wind blows let the tiny baby take the first step
But at the same time the old man takes a last breath from the air”
Just in that example, it is clear how Scott employs lyrical nuances and enthralling, wholesome lyricism to texturize his rapping. Even then, he manages to sound relatively relaxed and calm, which adds a rather intriguing and special feel to his music.
To accompany Scott, the album utilizes fun, and noteworthily musical tracks that captivate the ear of the listener. Jazz and Funk are used thoroughly, making for utterly tasteful and rich music. However, things are also broken up a bit with the instrumentals on the record. One track, for example, is only Scott rapping on top of beatboxing, nothing else. It is, therefore, clear the album doesn’t take itself too seriously and benefits from it, using the laid back feel to please the listener.
The amalgamation of all elements makes
Breakin’ Combs an overload of nourishing, refreshing, and profusely thrilling music that makes it stand as a gem of rap. Any self-respecting fan of all music should check the album, as it is an experience like no other.
