bigd99999's Full Review: Attack of the Attacking Things by Jean Grae
One of the underground's most forgotten groups was New York's Natural Resource. Unfortunately, they have since parted their ways and gone their separate routes. However, one emcee out of all of them stood out, at least in my mind, and thats female emcee Jean Grae. Beyond the skills of a mediocre Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, or Eve, Jean Grae is the modern-day MC Lyte. Her vivid, well-written lyrics, thoughtful subject matter, and harsh delivery has marked her as one of the underground's best kept secrets. She has succeeded in her quest to finally finalize a record deal and, in 2002, released her long-awaited debut album Attack of the Attacking Things, which is what Big D brings to you today...
Track List & Rating
1. Intro (NOT RATED)
2. What Would I Do (5 Stars)
3. God’s Gift (5 Stars)
4. Block Party (5 Stars)
5. No Doubt (4 Stars)
6. Skit (Bubblin’) (NOT RATED)
7. Thank Ya (4 Stars)
8. Love Song (4 Stars)
9. Get It (4 Stars)
10. Knock (4 Stars)
11. Live For U (4 Stars)
12. Fade Out (4 Stars)
After a short, skippable intro we get to "What Would I Do", which is a real banger. Jean Grae gives us thoughtful street poetry over extremely good production featuring soul elements, a memorable snare, and scaling piano loops. Jean Grae sort of mocks commercial female rappers, insulting them calling them "hoes" to the industry, as well as its real. Jean Grae spits his extremely crafty and witty, well-written braggadiocio. Add this to a tight hook and you've got a great one on you're hands. "God's Gift" comes after, and hits hard. Immediately, the beat kicks in with thumpin bass and drums, backed by beautifully orchestrated violins, synthesizers, and perfectly timed scratching, produced by none other than Masta Ace himself. Jean Grae proceeds to lay down top-notch flows, basically introducing those her skills to those unaware of her greatness. Her delivery is aggressive and angry on this song, as she really tries her best to send out a message, and succeeds.
Do not be mistaken by its very-commercial title, because "Block Party" is definetely not commercial. We immediately get nailed by the production, with a simple drum loop and clap, some low bass, and some background R&B vocals. This track is absolutely excellent, as we get a bit of introspection from Jean Grae. Jean Grae raps about removing all of the stereotypes from blacks on the planet and changing the world. Jean Grae gives us rhymes about the lack of unity, and how the unemployment scene, violence, and constant unprotected sex is sort of detetiorating the pride and population of African-Americans nationwide. She questions this very human behavior, asking people to open their eyes and view the world and open up life. The subject matter is light-hearted, but the production is deep and sombre. Definetely another banger.
Skipping past the excellent anti-commercial "No Doubt", we have "Thank Ya" and "Get It". Jean Grae gets humorous on these two tracks, giving us witty braggadiocio and old-school elements. The punchlines on here are unbelievable and she proves that she is one of the illest fem-cees on the planet and an unknown treasure. She is razor sharp, with on-point flows and an aggressive, yet laid-back and cocky style of delivery. The first of the two tracks features funky production with guitars, synthesizers, and drums, sounding a lot like an old 70s mo-town track. The second one uses more old-school hip hop elements, giving us a slow funk-rock style with a recurring snare. However, the complaint on here is that the production overmatches the lyrics, so its difficult to hear some of her words. However, its still a head-nodding track.
"Knock" is one of those tracks about the struggle, mixed with anti-commercial elements. Basically, Jean Grae gives us a mix of several styles, as she blends clever street poetry, with braggadiocio, and some anti-commercial lines as she proclaims that the underground rules all. She raps well-written lines over an awesome flow and delivery. The production is a funky, guitar filled track with synthesizers, hard thump-drums, and some background bass. Another Great Track...
"Love Song" and "Live For You" round out the album. The first of the two is a very soulful, sort of R&B sounding track as Jean Grae does exactly what the title says, rap a love song. We get all of the positives of a relationship and being in love. However, the second of the two turns that style of subject matter upside down. Basically, Jean Grae turns a bit darker, exclaiming that love goes beyond material things. She asks questions, seemingly pointed at her lover, asking if she will still be loved despite the fact that shes poverty stricken. Jean Grae shows her love, and seemingly, sadness, at least, i can tell in her voice. The production here is a lot more sombre, with dark low-key xylophone, hard bass, and some mafiosio guitar plucks. Her lyrics on both tracks are very poetic and well-written.
Jean Grae is one of the underground's best kept secrets. She is so well-kept, that many underground fans dont even know her name themselves. However, just so everybody understands, Jean Grae is not like Foxy Brown, Trina, Lil Kim, or any of these strip-tease, sex-influenced, and untalented emcees (well Foxy aint too bad). Jean Grae is very talented and loaded with potential to be one of the all-time greats. When backed by great production, shes wonderful. So if you're in the mood to listen to a female emcee who is "real" and very talented, pick up Attack of the Attacking Things. While Lil Kim might be good for your right hand and penis, Jean Grae is good for your brain.... he he he
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