Search - Poor Righteous Teachers :: Black Business

One of the greatest albums of any genre

omar stroman | Florida | 05/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're into socially-conscious rap this is it at its best..yes everyone thinks of Public enemy when it comes to this type of rap deservedly so, but PRT might have the most important albums of that time. And this was their masterpiece IMO. Who would've thought this Trenton,NJ Trio from the Donelly Homes Housing Project in North Trenton could've possibly dropped 3 of the most underrated albums in rap history.On Black Business it all came together the production done mainly by Father Shaheed was the best out of the previous 2 and lyrically and conceptually they were at their best with Wise Intelligent truly one of the most underrated MC's of all times he is brilliant lyrically and a master of many styles and Culture Freedom adding his element to the group as well. All the songs are good,but here are some standout tracks 144K,Nobody Move,Ghetto we love,Mi fresh,Black business,get off the crack..etc I'd advise anyone who wants classic concious rap these guys are leaders of that pack...pick up any other their albums you won't be dissappointed believe me. NOT BAD FOR SOME GUYS FROM MY HOMETOWN."

Consistently interesting

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 02/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Poor Righteous Teachers' third album was 1993's "Black Business." This was my introduction to the group and it was an album I was very impressed with. The Trenton trio of Culture Freedom, Father Shaheed, and Wise Intelligent are far from the conventional hip hop trio though. I remember buying this album and being pleasantly surprised by the content; I think I was expecting some kind of A Tribe Called Quest product and finding something completely different. Consumers should know that PRT is not for everyone and it may be an acquired taste for many. The music on "Black Business" doesn't sound so much like hip hop as it does island music. The rappers' deliveries and funky, horn heavy ragga beats are much more characteristic of dancehall reggae. Father Shaheed, the producer, puts together an impressive musical backdrop of funky basslines, horn instrumentation, and assorted instrumentation that match the MCs lyricism very well. Many a track will have your head bobbing with the funk. The music is also effective in that it often helps create a feeling of unrest and chaos that the lyrics contribute to. Culture Freedom and Wise Intelligent sing like Jamaican reggae artists, but their five percent wisdom is what sets them apart. They rap about issues facing the black community but maintain a spiritual aspect, as well as being able to kick back for some more fun tracks. This album is definitely a very focused effort, and in all its consistency no tracks really stand out. "Black Business" is consistent and often quite entertaining, and is an album I highly recommend for the open-minded listener.



The album starts with "144k," a catchy and instantly likable exercise in funky bass and reggae toasting from Culture Freedom and Wise Intelligent. "Da Rill S..." follows similarly, another entertaining and fun song. The more threatening "Nobody Move" is the first which really brings the social relevance into play. "Mi Fresh" is one of my favorites, the music is really effective and the verses are all excellent. "Here We Go Again" is extremely conscious, speaking out against violence, sexism, and it has a great beat as well, utilizing some classic Public Enemy material in the hook. After the nice "Selah" comes the title track, a fun yet as always intelligent song, a sure highlight. "Get Off the Crack" is great lyrically, challenging the ways of the mainstream. The good "None Can Test" precedes "Ghetto We Love," which profiles the housing projects they grew up in and their appeal amidst the struggles they provide. "Rich Mon Time" shows the spiritual element of the group, very reggae-influenced, and the excellent "Lick Shots" closes the album.



"Black Business" is still the only PRT album I've been able to find in any stores, and it's certainly one I would recommend to fans of different styles of music. PRT was a visionary group that creatively fused two distinct genres for a product that was relevant, intelligent, and entertaining. Like all the PRT albums, it's nearly impossible to find today, a true shame really, but should you cross it definitely pick it up. Musically and lyrically, "Black Business" is a great product."