Head Roc – The Return of Black Broadway (Odara Productions, 2004)
Head Roc maybe the most well intentioned person in hip-hip, if not in all of music. But, alas brethren, that does not translate into the most exciting recording. Instead, there are moments of pure unfettered dissatisfaction courtesy of Washington DC. Let’s just review the first track since there’s not another point on the album that reaches such a height as this. In the first few moments of The Return of Black Broadway crossing the threshold of your ear hole, getting at your brain, you loose control. It instantly-aurally-pleases. It improves your mood, the day brightens. Immediately the horn grabs your attention as a smooth sounding gentleman begins rapping about his childhood: cheap candy, goin’ to school to be socialized – but then the drum. It’s instantly-aurally-saddening. The patterns being played on the drums aren’t sub-pinhead, however they aren’t gonna make listeners turn to this slab again. Head-Roc continues talking about the downtrodden, critiques public services and politicians. There’re moments of talent sounding out through the mediocrity, but then it’s only a moment. Head-Roc enjoys his position in the underground, which is an overriding emotion from this guy. It seems that he values the independence from what the pubic deems as acceptable, and that’s important. But that doesn’t excuse the winces that this man bestows upon listener’s cheeks. Eventually, Head-Roc will put out something that doesn’t make one contemplate producers needing new drum machines. When that time comes, it’ll be that much easier to agree with his views on American culture and what needs to be done with it.
Tracklisting:
01 – The District
02 – Introduction
03 – Maulistic Animals
04 – Honeys
05 – Eggsquisite
06 – Dedicated
07 – ReunionListen
08 – Inna Time
09 – World Premier
10 – The Skills
11 – Young Jefferson
12 – Hip-Hop
13 – Lord God in Heaven
14 – (202)SKIL(L)S-4U
15 – These Motherfuckers!
16 – America!
17 – Enough!
18 – Sermon on The Metro
19 – Message To The Elders
20 – Groove Wit It
21 – Black Bird
22 – Introduction (DLee Remix)
23 – Crack-a-Dawn (DLee Remix)
24 – Young Jefferson (DLee World Mix)
