Search - Big Mello :: Wegonefunkwichamind

TRACKS:

themusiccollector | Chicago, IL | 10/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tracks:

# Intro

# Afro's & 84's

# Back Do Akshun

# No Hidin Place

# De Feva

# Wind Me Up

# Charge It 2 Da Game

# A Ride 4 Yo Azz

# Funkwichamind

# Somethin Serious

# Git Some Gone

# We Hate Em

# Highschool Kat

# Dat Killa

# Saga Uva Dope Fiend

# Family Affair 94

# So Much Love

# Southside"

One of Rap-A-Lot's lost treasures

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 06/10/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Big Mello was one of the most unknown rappers on Rap-A-Lot's roster during its heyday, quietly releasing two albums before moving on to an underground career before his death in 2002. With 1994's "Wegonefunkwichamind," the Houston MC delivered a great listen that stood out from the pack. Mello grew up in the same circumstances as his Rap-A-Lot brethren, but he's much more laidback, thus the name. Half Scarface, half Devin the Dude and frequently singing in his soulful deep bass, Mello makes "Wegonefunkwichamind" a long, slow, blunted ride. You may have heard funky hip hop before, but "Wegonefunkwichamind" is hypnotic. Produced by Mello himself with some contributions from Crazy C and Rap-A-Lot in-houser Mike Dean, the beats are some of the most genuinely bluesy, funky beats you'll find on any rap record. Horns, wah-wah guitars, and winding bass add a live-sounding element to the usual funky synths and electronica you'd expect on a Rap-A-Lot record.



Mello's a likable rapper with a good flow, and somewhat of a Clinton-esque quality. The songs range from just over a minute to nearly nine in length, and it's far from a conventional rap album. It's often funny and smoked-out, but in doses Mello brings some serious matter. Individual songs don't really stand out because it's such a cohesive listen, even though the songs themselves are so dissimilar. One minute Mello might be spitting menacing rhymes, the next singing like Barry White, the next philosophizing on ghetto life, the next talking about cars, and the next telling a story. The funk is in full effect from the great intro, and proceeds right through openers "Afros & 84s," the horn-laden "Back Do Akshun," and his triple-time bullhorned verses on "No Hidin Place." "Charge It 2 Da Game" is a heartfelt, thoughtful piece with suitable music. He just flows about hoopties over a great beat on "Ride 4 Yo Az," which gives way to the irresistible "Funkwichamind," a classic roller that's endlessly catchy. But some of the best moments are the most unpredictable. The gun-heavy "Git Some Gone" is surprisingly vicious and might sound more at home on a 5th Ward Boyz or Big Mike LP. A sweet flute anchors the excellent "Dat Killa," and perhaps the best song has no rapping at all: the ultra-soulful "Family Affair 94." Closer "Southside" is also great, a 9-minute tag-team posse cut with some seriously crazy MCs.



While not bad, a few tracks such as posse cuts "We Hate Em" and "High School Kat" don't quite meet the high bar. Not every minute of "Wegonefunkwichamind" is golden, but the highlights are so good that they make most missteps permissible.



"Wegonefunkwichamind" is a hugely enjoyable, creative effort from an underrated artist. Perfect for the ride or any downtime, the vibe and music are perfect. The level of artistry and creativity in 1994 was such that an album as original as this one could almost completely miss the radar, but it bears the quality of some of the top music of what may have been the premier year of rap releases. Fans of all types should find something to like in Mello's sophomore effort."