Enter stage left, the artist unknown as Free Style Lee. This unheard of artist, pieces together a lyrical flow chart that can amaze and embarrass. From the amazing standpoint, every so often Free Style Lee put together a masterpiece of rhyming verses that will help you explore the vast regions of thought. However, when he slips up, as he often does, you are left with a real-time rhyme, that just doesn't slide, easily into the mind. The whole premise of this album was centered about Free Style Lee's theme (as printed on the CD booklet) "A Mental Advisory: Intelligent Content". As such I often felt embarrassed when Free Style Lee's lyrics were no more than lines that rhymed.

Stylistic wise, this album's diversity was outstanding with styles varying from Rap to R&B. The album's diversity leaves me with an assortment of artist to whom Free Style Lee could be compared. Among them are Psycho Realm and Keith Murray. However, what I found most disturbing was Free Style Lee's air of confidence. With the chorus of "My key to success, is realizing I'm God Blessed", ( I'm not implying that I think that people are not blessed by God) as well as his general attitude throughout the album has lead this album to fall short of its potential.

"Ballin" was by far my favorite song. With a simple beat with a few catchy scratches, and the baller's anthem. Free Style Lee rips things up with his sparse lyrics. "The Land Of The Bandolero" once again has a catchy chorus, but brings no understanding to me. He manages to stick to one topic with some interesting and disturbing lyrics, most notably: 'Just thinking about your blood spillin' makes my dick hard…' A more upbeat track, "The Edge" allows Free Style Lee to shine lyrically. Follow him as he dazzles with the thought of suicide.

As much as I want to embrace this album, it's just missing that peg that makes it complete. The lyrics are amazing at times, but often they stray and fail to capture your undivided attention. As such, if you're a hip hop buff who loves to draw on every lyric, then you might gain a lot from this album. Otherwise, save up, because the next November 1999 is going to be a crazy month for rap releases.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written Sept 23, 1999