Chewing Pine

Oh No – Exodus into Unheard Rhythms (Stones Throw, 2006)

During the ‘90s when Lootpack was around, Wildchild christened Madlib’s younger brother “Oh No the Mischievous Rebel.” Now, he’s simply Oh No and has put out Exodus into Unheard Rhythms, his second full length release on Stones Throw Records. Stones Throw easily sits atop the pile of indie rap labels. And interestingly enough, Madlib has seen fit to reissue some rare discs as well.

Oh No’s release, although forward thinking in concept (he uses only the music created by Canadian Galt MacDermot of Hair fame), the album boasts a number of moments where a different path could have been taken.

The beats are unrelentingly pleasant throughout. The raps, however, aren’t always as exceptional. The inclusion of AG and the Cali Agents does make sense considering the locale of both label and rappers (AG recently recording his own discs on the left coast). But the album would be better served if more rappers in the vein of Posdnuos, who guests on “Smile a Lil Bit,” made appearances.

Wordsworth, another East Coaster, reminisces while displaying his deft talent on a track entitled “Know Better,” during which he recounts his years of mischief. Towards the end of Exodus, “Basement Interlude” appears and immediately signals why this album is not all that it could be. If one judged simply this track, it would be quite evident that Oh No possesses the ability to create beats that are entrancing. He just doesn’t harness that power. Instead Oh No allows a number of average raps (not rappers) drag down what could have been an incredible, instrumental album.

Tracklisting:
01 – Intro
02 – Beware
03 – Black
04 – Get Yours
05 – Interlude
06 – To Be an MC
07 – To Be an MC Reprise
08 – Keep Tryin’
09 – Know Better
10 – Second Chance
11 – Low Coastin’
12 – Hank
13 – No Aire
14 – Cut Session
15 – Smile a Lil Bit
16 – Keep it Lit
17 – Callin’ in T for Some Food
18 – T. Biggums
19 – In This
20 – Lights Out
21 – Basement Interlude
22 – Coffee Cold