Wednesday, July 11, 2012

ALBUM REVIEW: REASON - AUDIO3D

I picked up my copy of Reason’s Audio3D about four weeks ago and I have to admit that it has been a journey through the phases of discovery, amazement and finally idolization. I attended the launch with a little bit of apprehension based on the fact that I felt I knew too little of homie’s work, however the album has made me feel like I’ve known the homie for years!
The album is executive produced by Tumi Molekane (of Tumi and the Volume) and Bradley Williams (Matchboxology.com), two giants that are shaking things up in the South African music scene with their trailblazing label Motif Records. The involvement of such great minds in the crafting of this album is evidenced through the album’s varied but yet cohesive feel.
One has to acknowledge the level of craftsmanship that went into making this album, as apart from the two greats that I have mentioned above, Reason enlisted quite an ensemble of raw talent to collaborate with on this album. Production ranges from 37 mph (Mpho Pholo), Ntokozo Mazibuko (of I.V. League), Instro (Sthembiso Herimbi) and Battlekat (Tongongara Tlokoa – A hip hop legend from my hood reppin the 016 all the way!). The result is a medley of beats that are beasts just waiting to be ridden by each of the lyrical geniuses that were recruited for this album.

Trying to pin Reason down musically is like trying to put the feeling of love into words, you can try your best and you can get really close but you can never really express the essence of the feeling, it is due to this hurdle that it took me so long to write this review coz I felt no words would convey the amazement that comes standard with this album. I however decided to include tweets to show what the general public is saying out there and im sure you've now noticed them scattered around the article, as you can see the people are crazy about homie's music!
Contentwise homie is too on point, he addresses such a wide range of topics that are all tied together by man's biggest weakness (and strength) WOMEN. His scope is so diverse that you will be able to listen to this album regardless of what mood you are in. I believe this to be one of the strongest points about this album, the versatility through which he expresses himself will definitely wow many. I believe that multitudes will agree with me when i say this is by far the best Hip Hop album to come out of South Africa this year. Last year the debate was on who is better between Zakwe and AKA, and what made the debate rage for so long is the fact that like them or not they are both very talented MCs. However, i think the debate can finally be laid to rest as there's a new album on everone's lips and that is Reason's Audio3D. This is one of the few albums that you can put on repeat and not skip a single track.
I scrutinised this album for a complete four weeks and i must say, i havent found one defect with the album. It is such a breath of fresh air to listen to an artist who has perfected their craft to this point as this is one album i believe can have international appeal without even being over marketed. Homie has songs in there that all of us can relate to, wherever you are and i believe that this year (if the judging is done honestly and fairly this year) homie will be coming home with a bunch of SAMAs.
Whether its bumping the ever-so-popular "Stay" or the latest radio single "Do It Like I Can" i can definitely see the nation jamming to Reason this coming spring and subsequently festive season.
 


The album is now available at all leading retailers of good music, get your copy now and dont be a lame......



Peace!
at
Labels: ,