An Impressive Debut from a 5% Lyricist
J. B. Ware | Burnin' In Hell | 12/23/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Encore on Rasco's "Time Wait's for No Man"LP and his highly syllabic style over solid yet minimalist caught my ear immediately. His producer Architect's grooves are quite reminiscent of early DJ Premier and Eric B. productions, and with Encore's highly syllabic weavy flow, comparisons to Rakim's "Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em" and Nasty Nas's "Illmatic" are the most accurate I can make. Although not nearly as insightful as Nas's first LP and not as lyrically monumental as Rakim's third release, this album deserves a spot amongst the most impressive releases of the couple years. The most significant flaw in this album is that it is not innovative. Encore's style is that of an early to mid-nineties ill lyricist. Had this cd come out 5 or 6 years ago it would have been groundbreaking. As it is it's still an impressive release and if you enjoy artists like Rakim and Nas you WILL enjoy this album."
Tight
wolfpac187 | Hawaii | 04/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Idon't own this album, but I heard this cat freestylin on the Wakeup Show and he gets ILL! So I checked him out on here and it's tight!"
Encore truly blesses the mic
adventuresinspace | Cali | 03/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Though the beats are a little repetitive, this is classic material. Encore uses complex rhyme schemes, and the production is subtle and mind-stimulating. If youre down with Rasco, Planet Asia, and the rest of the NorCal scene, you will definitely feel this."