Search - Termanology :: Politics As Usual

Finally breaking the mixtape mold (3.5/5)

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 09/30/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Termanology gained a following with a mixtape series. He is, by all accounts, a good mixtape rapper: quick with a punchline and street-level lyricism without much conceptualism. Which is why I think his debut "Politics as Usual" was well approached. Each track here is provided by a certified legendary producer: DJ Premier and Nottz each contribute three and Easy Mo Bee, Buckwild, The Alchemist, Hi-Tek, Large Professor, Pete Rock, and Havoc each lend a track. These producers give a distinctly East Coast style to the LP.



Granted, Termanology is not always given the finest tracks from these producers, but with a list of beatsmiths this incredible, you know the music will be good. And Termanology doesn't disappoint. It's hard for him to shake the mixtape rapper tag, but he proves technically sound and capable over the disc's 45 minute running time. At times it is familiar and forgettable, and his most street-level songs are uninspired. But especially on the Premo tracks, he shows an energy that makes him impressive. Over the right beats, he complements the music and brings a substantial presence, dropping clever lines and showing insight into not only the "hood politics" he so adores but the music and community as well. There isn't a notably subpar track among the thirteen on the disc. The guest MCs are also impressive.



The best song is "We Killin' Ourselves," a dense and rich Pete Rock track with smooth sax and awesome percussion. Termanology raps passionately and dramatically about the black community's apathy toward responsibility and disease and Pete delivers a good hook. Count on the Soul Brother to provide not only the best piece of music on the album but also to bring out the best in a rapper on his own LP.



The first standout is the classy DJ Premier production "Watch How It Go Down," where Term comes hungry and insightful with his finest performance. His verses are excellent, citing classic rap lines and assessing the hood lifestyle, and Premo's signature scratches incorporate M.O.P. and Jay-Z samples. Prodigy and The Alchemist provide strong support on the gritty "Hood S..." which is good despite a weak hook. I also like Nottz' soulful production "Please Don't Go," and the low-key Premo track "How We Rock" steals the spotlight with a guest from Bun B. "Drugs, Crime & Gorillaz" is a rough horn-laden highlight featuring Sheek Louch and Freeway that's every bit the street anthem that the title and roster would suggest. Premo's best contribution is the winding, upbeat "So Amazing," which also brings out the best in Term. "Sorry I Lied to You" is nice as well, a slow, contemplative song produced by Large Professor.



Termanology didn't always wow me on his debut, and without such a strong supporting cast I'll be interested to see how he fares in the future. He is a strong streets rapper by all means but doesn't always bring an element of originality. At his best, though, I find him energetic, potent, and entertaining. "Politics as Usual" is very straightforward, quite listenable and thoroughly enjoyable, a very consistent album that gives a hungry streets rapper an avenue to rap with some of the all-time greats. The beats are great and this is easily one of the better releases of 2008, with some quality songs on it. I recommend it to a wide range of hip hop fans, because it will be enjoyed by fans of today's mixtape scene as well as 90s East Coast heads."

Not a dull moment

Luc P. Alexandre | Miami, FL USA | 10/01/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What more can i say Term is one of the highlights of todays lacking hip hop game and he delivers on this one...i personally think he's a track or 2 short of a Classic



DOPE ALBUM!..definite buy!"

4 HIP HOP HEADS (EAST COAST)

Mr. Joseph A. Bevilacqua | 10/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"classic production list, primo, alc, hav, large pro, easy mo bee, nottz, pete rock soul brother # 1 choc boy wonder,buckwild, man if u an east coast 90s cat this is for u, term can spit, best lyrical dude out today, reppin mass heavy east coast flava"