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Akala - Freedom Lasso
- Year: 2007
- Label: Illastate
Track Listings
- Electro Livin'
- Freedom Lasso
- Love In My Eyes
- Comedy Tragedy History
- You Put A Spell On Me
- Where I'm From
- Defeated
- Bit By Bit
- Something Inside My Head
- I Don't Know
This album is just sheer quality. There's only be 10 tracks, but don't let the shortness put you off as it's all gold and not a single filler as there are never any lows on this album, it's just high after high, quality from the moment you press play. If you have his debut album and haven't gotten this album yet, then what the hell is wrong with you?! Although this release is more mature than his debut album as he mixes it up a little more, with more slower tracks and some gentler themes, but don't be put off as he also raps at the speed of light. Musically many bases are covered, with creative use of samples and a variety of backings including piano, rock guitar and even violins.
Akala's lyrics are full of social commentary, humour, sincerity, and a little splattering of ego (about his confidence to out rap his peers). Simply put, he's a Hip Hop master-class. This album is brilliant in terms of musically, lyrically and presentation. Akala doesn't learn about social issues from the latest Hollywood blockbuster - he's well read and knows his history.
Both his albums are tremendous, but if I had to pick one, I'd say "It's Not A Rumour" is a marginally better, but not by much. Both albums have the same spirit as they force you to listen to his lyrics.
I'd go ****1/2.
Written by Tom Dawkings
Akala's Discography:
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