The lyrical lexicon attempts to maintain his ever-present aura in the hip hop scene with the release of his third album, 'It's A Beautiful Thing'. Keith Murray, a member of Def Squad and representin the M in EPMD, once again demonstrates his lyrical prowess on this album. He brings forth an array of featured artists to complement the mellow beats and his over-emphasized voice. Featured are Hip Hop's biggest rivals/enemies; LL Cool J and Canibus, Murray's Def Squad counterparts; Redman & Erick Sermon, Too Short and Deja Vu. The album's style teems with the Def Squad sound, repetitive funk-tinged beats that with time can be mesmorizing.

"Secret Indictment" proves stupendous with a simple beat, and a great story of the corruptness of the legal justice system. "High As Hell" is a great upbeat indo-laced song. "Life On The Street", a laid-back funk-tinged song, provides the most catchy chorus with a sampled 'street life'.

This album was missing dope beats. When cruisin in my pimpin mobile, I like to up the volume and bass and pump a catchy tune that'll make people turn their heads. Stopped at a red light, I seeked through this album for such a tune, but to no avail. This is lyrical album, because that's Keith's lock and key to success. If you enjoy deep rap lyrics and the Def Squad sound, then this album's a must get. But if your interests stray from lyrics, then this album's probably not for you. In my opinion it's the weekest of the Def Squad member's solo albums.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written January 27, 1999