Showing a bit of growth and a lot more understanding of the album format,
M.E.D.’s sophomore release for the Stones Throw label is a serious step up for the rapper who’s always an asset on the mike, yet you’d be hard-pressed to find listeners who would declare him their favorite. Check the serviceable rhymes on “Int’l” and you’ll hear that the funky
Georgia Anne Muldrow production is the real reason your head is bobbing, while the highlight title cut sounds like
M.E.D. adjusting to a
Talib Kweli cut, even if the mighty
TK is only a guest. Still,
M.E.D.'s the M.A.N. when it comes to covering Stones Throw-styled soul with rhymes that please both backpackers and street kids, and as the album goes from a set of tracks from well-revered producers -- including the fine “War & Love” from
the Alchemist -- to a nine-track run of
Madlib productions, it’s an interesting transition from mixtape style to the world of
Madlib’s DJ-oriented, 12-volume series called Medicine Show. Add the
Aloe Blacc feature “Where I’m From” and faithful fans of the neo-soul underground should consider this a necessary acquisition. ~ David Jeffries