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Y-Love This Is Babylon [review]

I will admit it: while I think Matisyahu is dope, I was kind of concerned when this was billed as being some form of "Jewish Hip-Hop". Word to MC Paul Barnum, I hadn't heard too many artists who wore their religion on their sleeves like that. Thing is, Y-Love isn't like that. The way he infuses his Hasidism is not unlike how Rakim infused 5% knowledge into his raps - he kept the music where you could feel it, all the while still touching on the social commentary he deemed important. Y-Love aims to do this, all the while giving the people something they can dance to...

"This Is Babylon"
First things first, Jake Break does the damn thing with these beats. That wobbly bass, thrown into a bed of snaps and a somber kick, provides a deep bed for Y's intellect. I wish I knew what homeboy was saying in some spots, I guess that's Aramaic he's chanting? His views aren't that far from some of the Babylon-speak that Rastafari dabble in, which definitely works. Nice intro to this CD...

"Bump"
Revolutionary Hip-Hop, 2008. That down home feel to this organ-driven track makes Y get into that pocket with his flows. I love the congas thrown in here. Definitely all about the positive vibes - I could seriously hear this one getting a crowd hype.

"Bring It On Down"
This is a weirder track, sonically. While Y-Love is trying to free the shackled ghetto yout, the beats are on this funky swing, but I am not too keen on the feedback and random synth notes in the background. Still has an appeal to it, though.

"Keep The Party Divine"
Does exactly what the title suggests. The use of the crazy, piercing synth works better here as a wild melody. Y gets a bit deeper into this, with more words and a more complex flow packed on top of this one. I wonder how I can get "respected on 260 dimensions"...

"Check The Technique (ft. Shaanan Street of Hadag Nachash)"
This one is heavy on the percussion, which is a crazy contrast to the plinky melodies on top, and rhymes referencing MySpace. Feel like I'm in a drum circle, and a cat just randomly catchin' wreck over their slaps. Y digs into where he came from and why he's doing what he's doing today. I don't know what language Shaanan Street is rhyming in, and I wonder how long it took him to write that; dude flows nicely in whatever language he is speaking.

"Exhibit A: The Diagnosis"
Interlude leading into the next cut. It doesn't make much sense until you get into the following track.

"New Disease"
This is all about the disease of the mind that our society pollutes us with. I like how Y attacks this beat, I can't explain his style, really. I could see him doing a concept album ala Kool Keith or Prince Paul. Or rockin' over some real sonic craftsmen. He definitely has that talent.

"6000"
This sounds like what Barack Obama needs to be spittin up on the debate block. We need to break the shackles and recreate our society. Heed the words!

"This Is A Test"
Another interlude that makes more sense when the next track kicks off.

"State Of The Nation"
This beat is wild. Jungle-ish, crazy percussion, wild bassline. Y-Love goes off on how he sees our nation right now. I love that 2nd verse, with all the stats he brings up.

"Mind Transit"
"Bombin' ya synagogue like Ahmadinejad". Word? This sounds like a tribal documentary remixed with an inner city frolic. Sneaky funk freak.

"From Brooklyn To Ramle (ft. Saz)"
This beat sounds like something Ghostface would murder, but this is another track rapped in both English and another language. Dope rhymes from Y, again. Introspective madness.

"Mt. Sinai (ft. Super Dane)"
Lovin' that dance hall feel on that hook. This one has a futuristic bop to it. Lovin' the whole platter.

"Mehadrin Rhymin'"
Those eerie melodies get me everytime. This cut is on some stream of consciousness feeling shit. Really frantic. I love it, though, especially how the goes from more downtempo to a faster click. Kind of combines everything that's been established and throws it in one pot.

While I don't subscribe to his religion, I can respect a cat who has found a way to get positive, especially in these trying times. More power to the brother for picking up his craft and using his skills to try and save a few of us. If you like shit from Immortal Technique, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and others who mix a bit of politics into their punch, and you are a fan of forward-thinking sonics, this is right up your alley.

rock the dub gives This Is Babylon 3.75 out of 5 stars. Solid effort, and while I wouldn't bump this on the regular, I would not be mad if it came on randomly. Nice mixture of ill technique and deep thought.

Burn Deez: "State Of The Nation", "New Disease", "6000"

This Is Babylon is available NOW on Amazon MP3. CDs should be in stores on April 29th, 2008.

related:
www.ylovemusic.com
www.myspace.com/ylove
www.thisisbabylon.net
www.modularmoods.com/y-love
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