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Having said that, there are forces of good putting in work to set a new standard and give the world something of substance. In steps the three man collective known as Darling Lure. Now if you're a fan of this blog or frequent from time to time, you'll find quit a few posts about producer, Tall Black Guy. The architect behind the soundscapes of Eighties Babies, BlacKeys/Circle of BlacKeys a plethora of instrumental projects and remixes, and now the mastermind behind the boards contributing to the illustrative verbal paintings of emcees Race & Simeon Viltz of The Primeridian.
Yesterday (9-13-11) marked the release of their self-titled debut album, Darling Lure - an assorted gem filled collection of 13 tracks addressing good times, spirituality, Chicago life, attack of the "real", domestic relations and much more. Joined by a few Chicago comrades and other respected artists from cities beyond, Darling Lure presents a cohesive project with the perfect balance of hypnotic beats and substantial rhymes to have the album in heavy rotation.
Since yesterday up 'til now, I haven't listened to anything else (w/the exception of some meditation music). I did that primarily to be able to review the album without bias. Now don't expect a breakdown of each song cause opinions will surely vary. But let me just start with the "Intro in The Mornin'" which opens the album with a highly interesting thought. Over what I think was inspired by the beat of Anthony David's, "Let me in," (maybe not), Tall Black Guy inserts two audio clips from a pastor and another speaker who both reveal a particular practice seriously plaguing pop culture - backwards and encoded messages that find way into the listeners subconscious causing them to believe or act out in ways not typical of ones normal behavior. Sounds strange? Well, it can also be very disturbing when you hear or see these messages played out for self. This intro sets the tone which in turn leads Race and Simeon to confront these practices without apology.
On tracks like "Change The Meridian" Race fires off on these candy land rappers who rhyme of false lifestyles stating: "Shell toes the only time you seen shells bro/and hell no these dudes and criminal or poppin' pistols the only time they pop lead/they was young poppin' pencils." No need to say names; just pick any one of your favorites and the sentiment fits. "Hang on" speaks to people of all life's and encourages them to hold on to those valuable lessons learned amidst the ignorance and wicked forever surrounding them.
Halfway through the contents lighten up a bit, bringing us to the stressless narrative, Whistle While You Work - the current fun spirited single from the project. You can peep the video for it here. Wasting no time shifting back to a more serious note, "Trust" ft. ADaD & G.G, with it's creepy like production touches on predators of innocent women and men who physically and mentally instill fear and harm upon them through various deceitful measures, but also to trust in God and the greatness you envision.
Closing out the album is "Love Hurts," a short tale of how a connection between two was formed right up 'til the time when things go wrong and trust is lost. Sad? Yes, but the jazzy vibe Tall Black Guy produces eases the pain one may feel as they travel down the path of their lost love.
Coming in at right about 50 minutes, I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Darling Lure is a great debut pairing two of the dopest indie emcees with an equally dope producer whose soul purpose is to bring quality and sincerity to a genre and market lead by quantity and deception. Give it a listen and support these brothers.
Darling Lure - Take U There ft Yaw, Iomos Marad & Uncle Imani of The Pharcyde
Darling Lure - Change the Meridian ft Pugs Atomz
