“I Don’t Believe You” is the second single from Kool Keith’s most recent LP “Matthew.” This single contains four tracks: “I Don’t Believe You” [Album Version], Album Version
Instrumental, “I Don’t Believe You” [Funky Redneck Remix] and the Funky Redneck Remix Instrumental.

Kool Keith, who has dazzled underground hip-hop fans with his brilliantly crafted, metaphor filled raps since his days with the Ultramagnetic M.C.’s, puts rhyming on the
shelf for this innovative new track. In the song “I Don’t Believe You,” Kool Keith presents the listener with his own harsh criticisms and opinions of his over-commercial
hip-hop foes. Kool Keith does not rap on this track but instead makes statements followed by the chorus, “I don’t believe you,” matched up perfectly with a slow paced
beat with repeating, short synthesized horn blasts. The beat is reminiscent of the one used on the song, “One Two, One Two” from the Ultramagnetic M.C.’s third album “The Four
Horsemen.” What makes this single all the more brilliant is Keith’s ability to humiliate the perpetrators of their lies without using any specific names. This allows for the song to open to the interpretation of the listener. I believe that Kool Keith talks of lies on two levels. One level being out and lies and the second being lies as they pertain to keeping up celebrity appearances such as relationships and material goods. It is as if he were saying that all the beautiful women, expensive cars and fine jewelry are a failed attempt for sub-par M.C.’s make up for their lack of lyrical skills and artistic integrity.

TRACK ONE: On the album version of the track Kool Keith opens the song with, “Yo, you lyin’--he’s lyin’ and she’s lyin’. My man over there--he’s lyin’. Ya know what?
You’re buildin’ up a bunch of lies--straight lies.” One of the first verses with little question as to whom it is criticizing is “You movin’ big weight, I don’t believe you.” This appears to be aimed at Ice Cube who had a single entitled “Pushin’ Weight on his uncharacteristically commercially targeted album, “War And Peace Volume I,” that gained a great deal of commercial radio airplay. Another recognizable dis is handed out to Master P, in the verse that says, “You play for the Charlotte Hornets, I don’t believe you.” I believe this verse to be in reference to Master P’s failed attempt to play for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets a couple of years back. Not only are there criticisms that appear to single out particular individuals, but statements that cover a broad range of hip-hop artists. One such example is, “You’s a movie star, I don’t believe you.” This verse points the finger at any number of rappers who act, namely L.L. Cool J, Ice Cube, Master P and Will Smith.

TRACK 2: This track is the instrumental version of the first track.

TRACK 3: This is definitely a remix worth having if you like the album version because it not only has a different beat, but contains different lyrics. The beat is medium paced and reminiscent of the Salaam Main Pass Mix of “Shamrocks And Shenanigans” on the House of Pain’s maxi single of “Shamrocks And Shenanigans.” Kool Keith opens this track saying “Yeah, ya doin’ it up--your livin’ it up larger than ever. You’re buyin’ everything--diamonds- limos--flyin’ across the world.” One of the more memorable verses not contained in the album version is, “You go with Tyra Banks, I don’t believe you.” This verse is obviously aimed at the super cheesy rapper turned actor Will Smith who is married to the model Tyra Banks. This version also has verses that make accusations that cover a number perspective M.C.’s. One such example is “You play in the NBA, I don’t believe you.” I think that this verse is aimed at Shaq and other NBA stars who attempt hip-hop careers. This version ends with the verse, “You sleep in the park, now that, I believe.”

TRACK 4: This track is an instrumental version of the funky redneck remix.

I believe that Kool Keith made this record to point out the fact that hip-hop albums engineered to for the sole purpose of commercial sales and airplay undermine the integrity of hip-hop as a whole. Not only do such recordings undermine hip-hop’s integrity, but artists who judge their success by the amount of jewelry and cars they can purchase have little to offer the art form known to us as hip-hop.

I would recommend this album to any hip-hop fan who has grown tired of the same old commercial rap music that you hear on mainstream radio and MTV and doesn’t like the fact that all hip-hop records are beginning to sound the same. If you enjoy this single check out these albums, Dr. Dooom--”First Come, First Served,” Kool Keith--”Black Elvis/Lost In Space,” Ultramagnetic M.C.’s--“Critical Beatdown,” “Funk Your Head Up,” and “The Four Horsemen.”

If you want to know more about Kool Keith and his various personas check out http://www.kool-keith.com

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving