Dead poet’s prose is about the truth. Not the pretty, commercial truisms, but hard glimpses at a part of reality most would just as soon over look. Starving Artist covers a wide range of social maladies with fierce unyielding confidence. After listening several times, one is convinced that members Knyte and Laz aren’t afraid of anything. Then what’s more, is they attempt to give solutions to large scale cultural dilemma. Some of their practical morals from short stories contained within the flows are great personal and universal lessons. The rhymes of the Dead Poets set scenes comparable to those of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, identifying with the common struggle and extending them to be identifiable from any class, only the setting is the Bronx. The new album has a powerful ability to communicate on many different levels of empathy. Their sense of cultural awareness is on par with that of Talib Kweli or Mos Def, yet with a unique sound. The Poets have voices all their own and an original style and perspective. Serious issues aside, there are many playful songs, and what we find is a nice balance of intelligent informed hip-hop, still with sexy pop sensibility and a stoner sense of humor. The collective result is a romping album perfect for shattering other people’s car windows, or relaxing in your home after a long day “On the Grind.”
The synthesis on “Go In” didn’t escape me, as I had on my Grado headphones (of Brooklyn). The sound swirled around and then twisted through my brain from right to left, then left to right in the end in stunning 3-D, showing off the brilliant subtlety of the mixing and production. The bass is always solid, loud, pumping throughout, and appropriate. The solid core of the sound sends Knyte’s bass-baritone voice into ominous overtones, while quick tenor Laz cuts through like a lead guitar. The combined effect is intriguing; the two interchange perfectly, as though they can read each other’s minds. When together their rap-march harmony makes for infectious chorus that sounds like the build of a great party about to get out of control and break out into the streets. It’s a good thing the Dead Poets are modest rappers, because the power of their voices in the wrong mindset could cause riots. As it is, one can imagine entire stadiums roaring to their wild calls and thunderous bass, thousands jumping with hands in the air, shouting along to the flows. Songs such as “Elbow Room” and “Too Many Mics” are ready for the masses, just made to get crowds moving, and send groupies concert hopping.
Starving Artist features a good handful of guest performances, including smooth rhymes from Jesse Calico and the intensity of J-Rock, who both really shine on “The Grind,” a very real song documenting the repercussions of the cultural economic crisis on the level of the street. With many more wonderful guest additions, all of whom add to the brilliance of the album, Starving Artist attempts to show many sides of the struggle, giving voice to as much conventional wisdom as is possible to cram into one album. All of guests are well blended, as though they’ve all been making music together with Dead Poets for a lifetime.
The album also has a softer side, with introspective sensibility. The poetry Laz writes of his family in “Uncomplicated” is truly heartfelt and beautiful. Knytes memories of mentors past passion for his education, his growth through faith, are elegantly expressed. The Chorus melody by Sadie is a pretty compliment to the song, and just one of many delicate touches that make this hip hop album holistic.
Finally, something has to be said about all the references to smoking. “Stoner’s Paradise” is a fun bonus track, seemingly coerced by Jesse Calico. That perhaps reveals a bit about where the Dead Poet’s draw some of their inspiration, their incite through meditation, and eating preferences. I must admit, after listening to the song a few times, I had to go “swing by Popeye’s” Chicken. It’s clear by the comedy in the song, that the Poet’s draw a lot of their balance from their smoking rituals. It sort of explains the hard edge reality of the lyrics, yet the cheerful optimism that echoes every issue. It is good to see encouraged, confident stoners who get deep and introspective in order to help improve society through their message. It can be said that their understanding is of epic proportions, with depth reaching to the very basis of human health through song; Hip Hop that can heal the soul, and drive the weak to become strong. In albums to come I hope to hear more of this sort of core archaic expression synthesized from New York and back to our original nature again. Perhaps these Starving Artists are sages in street clothes…”Plus with kings we scrye.”
The Dead Poets went through a sort of self-realized resurrection in which they have seemed to connect with each other philosophically and with their audience on the emotional level. By focusing their energy in Starving Artist, they’ve divined the struggle of society and unflinchingly put it in front of our eyes, yet without becoming severe or allegorical, they maintain humility and honor. Dead Poets manage to communicate a realistic war for survival with a balanced dose of courageous compassion for those who believe in helping others, solving problems, and never giving up. Let us hope their enduring message reaches many.
Reviewed By Julian Gorman
