Search - Wyclef Jean :: Preachers Son (Dol)

Wyclef Jean- The Preacher's Son

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 11/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wyclef Jean's fourth solo album is "The Preacher's Son" (2003). First track I heard off this was "Industry" two months ago, when the video for it was being played, this track really impressed me, I liked how Wyclef dedicated it to everyone who loves Hip Hop, and remembered rappers, singers and the Princess who have died while talking about some of the current issues/events that have gone on, and are going on in Hip Hop. I also like the memorable chorus Wyclef sings on this one. Another single is going to be the party track "Party to Damascus" feat. Missy Elliot, fairly sure this is going to be one to blow up on the radio. "Celebrate" is my favorite track at the moment, Patti Labelle's appearance is excellent, making this a very memorable collabration and props to Wyclef for giving up and coming rapper Cassidy an appearance. "Baby Daddy" feat. Redman is about trying to be a father to another man's son, which is followed up by "Three Nights In Rio" feat. Carlos Santana. Another real standout for me is the deep "Class Reunion", Wyclef and Monica singing duet is soulful and impressive. Clef experiments with his vocal tones on the slow "Baby", and then the pace picks up "I am Your Doctor" feat. Wayne Wonder & Elephant Man a track for the ladies, while "Linda" is about a woman on the warpath. Wyclef seems a happy man on tracks like the love ballad "Take Me as I am" and comes real on "Grateful". Scarface and Rah Digga drop in for "Next Generation" another memorable collabration. "Rebel Music" is decent though I would of liked to see a longer appearance from Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Buja Banton drops in for next two tracks, which are followed up by the remix closer. Of these three the reggae based "Who Gave the Order" stands out the most. "The Preacher's Son", is one of those chilled out albums full of diverse and refreshing music, that a wide variety of people who listen to different music genres can enjoy. Recommend this one for the collection."

CD Of The Year!!

Constant | 11/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After being a long time hip hop head, I have to admit that I had never actually bought a cd by Clef before...but I decided to check this one out...I was blown away. This cd is everything that Steve Harvey says it is on the albums intro, and MORE. Clef stays true to his hip hop self (Industry, Party To Damascus, Baby Daddy etc). but then ventures into different genres. Check out "Baby", a classic soulful R&B joint, or "Three Nights in Rio" with Carlos Santana. Two standout tracks are "Linda" and "Take Me As I Am". Both songs will stay in your head all day. After hearing the songs for the first time, I was singing along with the whole cd. Every song you just need to sing along. I'm definately coppin' his first 3 cd's now. This along with Andre 3000's THE LOVE BELOW are by far cd's of the year. Believe dat..."

A Return to Form

Groovemasta | Washington, DC USA | 11/06/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After dropping one near classic ("The Carnival") and one over looked jewel ("Ecleftic"), why Clef seemed tentative and often uninspired on last year's "Masquerade". It felt as if Clef was stifled by weight of his own reputation for innovation and genre bending.
On his fourth album, "The Preacher's Son", his first for J Records, Clef puts the outside the box collaborations and flamboyant genre mixing on the back burner and the result is a strong and cohesive collection of quality and soulful songs. Musically, the album stays mostly in Clef's comfort zones of Hip-Hop, Calypso and Reggae. Lyrically Clef combines the folksy story telling Calypso tradition with the swagger and pop culture references of hip-hop. On "Industry", he rides and hard baseline in a style halfway between rapping and singing and turns in a heartfelt plea for peace in the hip-hop nation. Missy Elliot stops by to add her characteristic energy and staccato flow to a jubilant island groove on "Party to Damascus". And Reggae super stars Wayne Wonder and Elephant man kick laid back reggae verses inbetween Clef's melodic Calypso grooves on the chorus. Clef even ventures successfully into Latin sounds with Carlos Santana on "Three Nights in Rio", and vintage quiet storm R&B on the seductive "Baby". The album keeps a diverse but consistantly fun groove through out, but the highlights come at the end when Clef gets a little more serious. "Next Generation" mixes themes of rebellion and spirituality over an intense hip-hop beat and Caribean inspired melody. "Rebel Music" follows with a groove bouncy enough for the clubs, but dark enough to resonate as Clef sings about the plagues of urban society and the music business. And on "Who Gave the Order", Clef channels the spirit of the great Bob Marley for an anthem of defiance, righteous anger and ultimately spiritual resiliancey.
While not quite the aural feast of Carnival, The Preacher's Son is better written and conceived than Masquerade, and more cohesive than Ecleftic. Over all, a solid effort."