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Artist: Rugged Intellect
Album: Renaissance Music
Record label: Expertism Music Group
Rating:
Reviewer: MetroGnome
So is it a turnoff or intriguing when an artist sounds, and feels, nearly identical to a couple select individuals before him? The answer is purely subjective, depending on who those influential few creative pioneers prior might be. In this case, I am referencing the legendary Kool G Rap, Big Pun and RA the Rugged Man; The second half of the equation comes in the form of Canadian emcee Rugged Intellect (no actual relation to the aforementioned "Rugged").
Rugged Intellect is making his impact felt on the hip hop scene with his appropriately labeled album, Renaissance Music: The Introduction, and his rapid, intense delivery. Luckily for Intellect, you'd be hard-pressed to find a rapper with his flow, sense of timing and cadence... despite G Rap, Pun and RA. Ironically, he addresses mimicry on "Biter's Block," spitting: "They say imitation is the best form of flattery/ If Pun was alive, would he flip and get mad at me?// Would he call me a biter and tell me to get my own style?/ Would he say my flow is off the hook like a phone dial?" Interesting predicament.
Rugged Intellect spills out on a few social topics, taking shots at racism, governmental stronghold and general oppression on "Break 'Em Off." Don't be fooled though, as his hard-edge and braggadocios attitude can be replaced with humorous tales from time to time.
Example: the Rugged's join forces on "Dirty Bitch Anthem," where RA and Intellect trade raw, hyper-sexualized stories of the most explicit degree, in a vein reminiscent of ODB and Ghostface. "All Fair" showcases another understudy combination as Kool G Rap blesses the joint and documents Intellect's heaviest inspiration.
If album sales were dictated by the amount of information (words, bars, metaphors) in a record, Rugged Intellect would easily go platinum while artists like Hurricane Chris would be reduced to a blip off the radar. His ability to put poly-syllabic words together to form complex tongue-twisting rhymes is incredible; That said, it can be an exhausting trip after playing the record straight thru.
There aren't many shortcomings on the album, fortunately. "By Any Means" is your average anti-authority, stand-up anthem... but a little boring and predictable. Likewise, "Real Recognize Real" has potential with blaring horns and a punchy bass line, but carries the weight of a lackadaisical tone. However, the "Introduction" and "Interlude" are smoothed-out instrumentals that serve only one purpose: to give you a break before another storm of severe spitfire.
Kool G Rap, RA the Rugged Man, Sean Price & Rock (of Heltah Skeltah), Ruste Juxx, Ras Kass, and AG all see track time on Renaissance Music, making for a supreme lyrical showcase with classic star quality. If you are familiar with the guest artists on this record, chances are you will dig the record. It pairs venomous verbal style with classic, gritty sonics making Rugged Intellect a cat to check for!
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