It took hip-hop a couple of decades to become ingrained in pop music, but the genre's influence shows on Len's You Can't Stop the Bum Rush. The members of Len might not agree--after all, they probably consider themselves a... more » hip-hop act, and they've got a case, what with their lineup (which incorporates a DJ and a couple of MCs), their use of loops and samples (from the Andrea True Connection, the Bar Kays, Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel, and the big mack daddy himself, John Travolta), and guests like Biz Markie, Kurtis Blow, and Mr. Dibbs. But there's something very pop at the core of Len, and it's what makes Bum Rush so special--as hip-hop becomes harder and more experimental, Len rediscover a very vital part of the history. Filled with keyboards, dance rhythms, harmonies, stoner humor, and Sugar Ray-ish party vocals, Bum Rush is pure pop for the hip-hop generation. The album keeps things light but never skimps in delivering single after single; they may all prove disposable, but why worry about that now? --Randy Silver« less
It took hip-hop a couple of decades to become ingrained in pop music, but the genre's influence shows on Len's You Can't Stop the Bum Rush. The members of Len might not agree--after all, they probably consider themselves a hip-hop act, and they've got a case, what with their lineup (which incorporates a DJ and a couple of MCs), their use of loops and samples (from the Andrea True Connection, the Bar Kays, Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel, and the big mack daddy himself, John Travolta), and guests like Biz Markie, Kurtis Blow, and Mr. Dibbs. But there's something very pop at the core of Len, and it's what makes Bum Rush so special--as hip-hop becomes harder and more experimental, Len rediscover a very vital part of the history. Filled with keyboards, dance rhythms, harmonies, stoner humor, and Sugar Ray-ish party vocals, Bum Rush is pure pop for the hip-hop generation. The album keeps things light but never skimps in delivering single after single; they may all prove disposable, but why worry about that now? --Randy Silver
Matt F. from LE CLAIRE, IA Reviewed on 8/20/2006...
One hit wonders, but the whole album has a fairly lighthearted outlook on life that is refreshing.
CD Reviews
Some are great. Others, well.....
Marc Kloszewski | 12/08/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The CD has some very catchy songs and a variety of beats. Sometimes I'm wondering if I'm listening to the same group all together. I like listening to 1 and 3 the most, but a couple of the others are pretty good. If you don't care for rap then you'll be skipping some songs. There is a mix of dance, hip-hop, and eighties sounds that should prove to keep you listening, but I could do without some repeated four letter words. This was a disappointment, because the music was great, but the lyrics belonged to wu-tang. Sorry, but minimal CD life without getting shelved for mixing later with other songs from other short lived bands."
Fantastic return to old school with a twist
jamminbread | tn | 05/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It seems the teenie boppers who were expecting to hear more of the same from "steal my sunshine" (which is a super tune in its own right) were a bit disappointed with the rest of the cuts. I grew up listening to Kurtis Blow, Planet Patrol, Grandmaster Flash, Whodini, and Newcleus, to name a few.......and Len as a crew has captured the intensity of old school style and added a next generation edge. If you are a fan of old school, you will be jamming this cd in your car with the windows rolled down, smirking at all of the teenies giving you funny looks."
Awesome!
Anna | usa | 01/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With singles like "STEAL MY SUNSHINE" and "THE HARD DISK APPROACH" this is definatly an altoghether good cd! it has a good mix of dance, hip-hop, and pop. many people say that len is gonna be another one hit wonder, but i'm sure that's not the case! no one can listen to "STEAL MY SUNSHINE" and not smile! it's an uplifiting, body moving, cd."
The Archies of hip-hop
Marc Kloszewski | Indiana, PA United States | 02/18/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not sure how serious Len takes themselves as dyed-in-the-wool hip-hopsters, but this is pretty lightweight stuff, even for the genre. It's bubblegum for the 90s, and this disc is certainly no milestone. The disc SOUNDS great, though. Obviously, "Steal My Sunshine" was novel enough to become a hit with that sleazy sample from "More More More", and there are radio-friendly hits in "Beautiful Day" and "Feelin' Alright", which I randomly cued up at the store & which convinced me that I wanted this. The other stuff has energy to spare but less originality--the tired rah-rah of "Cryptik Souls Crew" and the instrumentals are forgettable...I must say, I do like Sharon's voice, though--your friendly female robot at your service. There's even a gospel song at the end, God help us. I suppose we're intended to take all of this with a couple of grains of salt--God, I hope so. "Burger Pimp," indeed. I play this every now and then; it's disposable fluff, and I know there are those who can dig that."
Unexpectedly Awesome
Anna | 11/14/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I liked Steal My Sunshine, and was hoping to hear something similar... but was happily surprised by Len's different style. SMS is a radio friendly song to cause the masses to rush out and buy it. The other part of the album has depth and a certain style all its own which is not for the masses. If you are a unique person, and not like everyone else, you'll appreciate Len's ability and insite of musical talent and ingenuity."