Search - Unknown Prophets :: World Premier

Potential for the future

Alan Pounds | Minneapolis, MN | 04/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw these guys perform at the Dinkytowner in Minneapolis. They put on a very entertaining show. And like most independent acts I see live, I bought the album. Needless to say, I was very impressed. The lyrical content brought forth by Mad Son and Big Jess are definitely on the forefront. Their flows are pretty easy to follow, but aren't dampened in spirit. The lyrics are often times thought provoking, and comfortable in presentation. These guys don't sound angry or preachy, but instead convey positivity.



Although I like Mad Son's flows, Big Jess is the better of the two. He has more mic presence and a more unique voice, making his rhymes standout a bit more. I like the production; but it left me wanting more. I am a big fan of symphony, piano and orchestra in my hip-hop music, but more often than not, the sample gets repeated throughout the song. This is the case with other MCs, such as Immortal Technique. Most of his music contains minimal string arrangements a lot like this album. But Immortal Technique makes up for it with a very dominate mic presence. Unknown Prophets do it pretty well; but not many can hold a candle to Immortal Technique when it comes to raw, hardcore talent on the mic. Nevertheless, the beats on this album are entertaining and unique among many underground hip-hoppers.



The collaborative efforts don't shine as much as you would think. Slug probably has the best drop on "Never," the last cut on the album. Brother Ali, one of my favorites, doesn't get a very good part at all on "Without My Existence," just the chorus, it's a cool song though. DJ Abilities helps out the production a bit on "The Wrong Route," making it a standout track. Another one of my pick would be "Take it There". Overall, the album is solid from start to finish, although I like the second half a bit more.



These guys seem to be a very ambitious pair in the underground rap circuit. With a little help on the production and engineering end of things, these guys would be capable of so much more. This is just the first of a string of great albums from the Unknown Prophets."

This CD is worth 6 Stars

Alan Pounds | 05/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yo if you dont have this CD then your NUTS. It's impossible to find people that DONT like this cd. I mean non rap fans can even appreciate this for its positivity and melody. They use a good variety fo instruments for their beats, and it results in a masterpiece. If you want to hear a couple songs before you buy the cd, definetly check out songs 8 Take it There and 17 Never feat. Slug. These two songs stand out and are possibly the best two songs I have heard in a long time."

What a debut should be

Roscoe P. | MPLS MN | 02/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the debut for the Unknown Prophets. And it strongly competes with the other Minneapolis based Hip Hop groups like Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Eyedea and Abilities, and Oddjobs. I would have to say that out of all of the formentioned groups World Premier is the best debut album. The thing that you first notice about the UP's that sets them apart is thire rhyme topics. Their songs are positive and constructive yet still true quality Hip Hop. Track #4 The Wrong Route is a perfect example. It basically talks about two kids who made the wrong choices in there life and everything ends up falling apart. "he went from ripped jeans to mad cream, traded all his nightmares for the pleasent dreams". Track #13 4 The Kids talks about how we need to be wise about how we act and influence children. Then theres the last song on the CD Track #17 Never ft. Slug. The song talks about how the Up's might never make it big but its ok because they are doing something they love and they are giving it there all; and you can really feel it. Nothing on this CD sounds contrived or fake. This is what sets them apart from any other group I have ever heard. Be aware, their style is not similar to Atmosphere or Brother Ali so if you are expecting that you might be dissapointed. If you can approach this CD knowing that then you will love it."