Being someone that use to be heavily into hip hop back in the late 90's up through a few years ago, it's exciting to hear something that makes me want to get back into it. Strange Famous' B. Dolan has done just that with his masterful new album Fallen House, Sunken City.
Everyone nowadays wants to hate on indie rap, and it's really too bad because it's really the most interesting sub-genre of rap lyrically. There is a politically charged theme throughout much of this album which could certainly stem from Dolan's work with Knowmore.org. That paired with the hypnotic and banging production from Alias makes this one of the best hip-hop albums I've heard in years.There's some fabulous stuff here...beats from songs like 'The Reptilian Agenda' and 'Border Crossing' are just absolutely ridiculous. The addition of the What Cheer? Brigade (Providence RI street marching band) really puts the latter track towards the top of the list as far as best songs on the record go.
As good as the beats Alias provides are, the lyrics B. Dolan spits over them make this record what it is, powerful and raw. Especially the track 'Marvin' which is about Marvin Gaye and his death at the hands of his father. The beat is driven by a haunting piano line which is peppered with a short vocal sample that certainly sounds like it could be the man himself. The track will give you chills.
With a few exceptions, the last few years have been pretty boring in my opinion as far as hip-hop music goes. B. Dolan is looking to change all that with Fallen House, Sunken City and I'm pretty sure he hit it out of the park.
Check out the video for the first single, 'Earthmovers' below. A little bonus piece of trivia is the video was actually filmed in Kansas City:
B. Dolan Myspace
Buy the Album
-Matt
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