Thursday, May 17, 2012

Reks – Straight, No Chaser (2012) – Review


Review: Boston MC Reks is back with his fourth studio album Straight, No Chaser. There was a lot of anticipation for this release (me included), as his last album Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme was excellent, and one of the best hip hop albums of 2011. For this record, Reks works exclusively with Boston producer Statik Selektah (who has collaborated with Rek’s in the past), giving the album a uniform sound – being one of a classic hip hop record (in many cases, this sounds like something that could have come out in the early 2000s or late 1990s). Lyrically, Reks delivers a very personal message of getting by – against the odds and in a world that is not necessarily fair. Reks is all about promoting a positive message with his music, and is not boastfully talking about money and woman over everything. But, he does boast about his skills as an MC, as he rightfully should. His flow is wonderful. Compared to his last release, Straight, No Chaser does not have as an impressive guest list or group of producers, as it is almost completely a Boston hip hop album (producer Statik Selektah and guests like Termanology, Kali and Slaine), though Action Bronson is featured on the track Riggs & Murtaugh. That said, it is still a very good release and well worth checking out for fans of the more classic hip hop sound. The title track featuring Slaine is brilliant, and the standout. Issue wise, the album drags a bit in the latter half with a few weaker tracks. Overall though, it is a great record. 4/5

Editor’s Essential Tracks:
1)      Straight, No Chaser – Featuring Slaine, produced by Statik Selektah
2)      Parenthood – Produced by Statik Selektah
3)      Sins – Featuring Alias, produced by Statik Selektah

Available on CD and Digital Download

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