Search - Rev Run :: Distortion

Rev Run's short and sweet

cd-heaven | ROCK CITY | 10/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is more of an EP than a full length album. 10 tracks (Amazon forgot to include the last track, Distortion) totalling just over 26 minutes. While I liked it, it is a bit short, and Rev Run doesn't really break or preach new ground. Every song samples the same old same old Run-DMC beat, samples, or lyrics. That's fine with me because I love Run DMC. This is far superior to to Run DMC's Crown Royal which using the moniker DMC was a joke, but take this as a Rev Run solo effort. It's fast paced, refreshingly old school, and sits well with the early Run DMC albums. Also, for a rapper to release something nowadays without a million other guest rappers or producers, it's consistent."

Rev. Run Preaches on "Distortion"

Hype Currie | Detroit, Michigan United States | 11/22/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Distortion is the debut solo LP from Rev. Run (Joseph Simmons), formerly one-third of pioneering rap trio Run-DMC.



The group had retired after the murder of DJ Jam Master Jay in 2002. Recently signing a new record deal with brother Russell Simmons' Def Jam-affiliated RSMG, the ordained minister and reality TV star seeks to start a new chapter in his career.



The LP opener, "I Used to Think I Was Run" is co-written by Detroit underground rapper Champtown. "Home Sweet Home" is Run's tribute to Jam Master Jay, sampling Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" not only for the rhythm track, but also leaving the older song's original chorus intact for the hook. It's a neat twist, but shouldn't it have been "Sweet Home Hollis, Queens?"



Lyrically, Run still raps as confidently as in his earlier days, and on songs like "The Way," he speaks with the acquired wisdom of an elder statesman of hip-hop: "Now I'm preachin for the people who ain't never gettin paid/ The suckers gettin' suckered who be slavin' for a wage/ The drug addicted brother cause he think he got it made/ Who never took a drug, but yet he needed to get paid/ I'm prayin' for the mother who just had a kid at 12/ Who gotta feed her baby, but can barely feed herself."



Bypassing Run-DMC's historical producers (Larry Smith, Davy D, Rick Rubin), Run nonetheless finds a solid collaborator in newcomer Whiteboy, who handles the entire album, merging heavy drum kicks with rock guitar licks.



Despite its positives, there is a slight downside to "Distortion." After listening to the LP, one major issue stands out - it's too short! Clocking in at less than 25 minutes, Run's brevity with his verses leave one wondering if he was subconsciously expecting Darryl "DMC" McDaniels to lay down his part on the tracks to fill in the gaps. Perhaps he needs a co-writer (like McDaniels) to help him craft songs with a little more heft. On the other hand, it certainly could not be said that there's any filler on this LP.



Despite this minor quibble, "Distortion" should please Run's older fans, and hopefully get some new ones, too.



Artist: Rev Run

Title: Distortion

Label: RSMG/Def Jam"

A Pleasant Surprise; Just a Bit Too Short

Musac Critic | 10/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rev Run, a legend in the rap business, comes with his first solo album and he comes with a bang. Run brings hip-hop back to its originating old school sound with DISTORTION. Furthermore, vocally, he has the most unique voice in hip-hop today compared to how rappers rap these days...everything about him on this album is throwback, yet you can't help but to love how vintage DISTORTION sounds.



DISTORTION for the most part is a well rounded affair, yet it is way too short for its price and to be considered a full length album. At 23 minutes, you can't help but feel that the album is too short for its standard price of any other CD. However, for the most part, all of the songs are better average with the exception of the odd choice of sampling of "Sweet Home Alabama" on "Home Sweet Home", "Breaktime", and "Distortion". The best tracks are the lead single "Mind On The Road", The opening attention getter "I Use To Think I Was Run", "Boom Ditty", and "The Way". The other songs with the exclusion of the weaker above mentioned are good for the most part, if not stunning.



This album turns out ot be a decent listen that keeps the spirit of classic hip-hop alive. It won't sell perhaps like contemporary rap does, but it is a nice contribution to the rap of 2005. 3.5 stars."