First song really drew me in, loved the drum machined high hats especially, such a refreshing contrast to the the otherwise folkish/blues to open. But then... What's happening here?? So many of these songs feel crowded (derogatory), the lyrics feel shallow/perfunctory ("let's go forward with our love"???), and while TTD has pipes, I remained unconvinced that he has power behind his voice. Compositions feel repetitive, and while they're not doubt fun to play and jam on, but they just are NOT ENOUGH to carry it forward. Without any sort of X-factor to guide this, it really leaves me scratching my head as to what all the fuss is about.

3.5/5 Still a menace, 30 years later. Fave Track: Prophets of Rage Anchor: Terminator X I firmly believe Chuck D and Flav still have some of the best voices to ever grace the genre. No one will say Yeahh Boi like Mr. On Time himself. Bring the Noise is an all timer, and songs like Cold Lampin with Flavor, Louder than a Bomb, and Show Em Whatcha Got, and night of the living baseheads surely were direct inspiration for the Jet Set Radio soundtrack. For me, the boom bap style of the project, while still feeling fresh almost 30 years later, is abrasive in a way that gets in the way of the rhymes. Also cool seeing the metal influence on The Watch Channel Zero?! That latwr got picked up for the Anthrax version of Bring the Noise. Hip hop at this time was rebellious and counter culture, and this shows in spades, with scratches and sparse vocals adding depth to the bassy samples the always have you toe tapping. When it all works, it makes a relatively repetitive song structure get carried for 4 minutes straight. Songs like Terminator X, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, and Rebel Without a Pause do outstay their welcome with their abrasive backing samples. I understand the intention with these tunes was to be loud/in your face/abrasive, but they're so much so in a way that underserves the artistry on display otherwise.

Very fun country that doesn't overstay it's welcome

The prototype that all other East Coast rap is measured against

Incredible mix of basslines on the first track, definitely knocked me on my ass