CD Reviews

Termanology | Politics As Usual

Nature Sounds (2008)

By CHRIS FARAONE | October 1, 2008

4.0 Stars

This one should be considered a “How To” manual for regional rap stars who are poised to detonate worldwide. For one, Termanology was prudent enough to include the previously released DJ Premier bangers “So Amazing” and “Watch How It Go Down” — lots of MCs believe that their underground hits reach everyone, but with this release Term scopes thick masses and platinum pastures. What’s more, the Lawrence-bred MC didn’t waste funds on wack beats and lazy verses from renowned artists — he hustled to forge legitimate bonds with the likes of Bun B and Prodigy, the latter of whom resurrects his long-gone Hell on Earth persona on “Hood Shit” just to hang with Term’s whimsically styled, persistently nimble flows. Most important, homeboy used the thickest production line-up in recent memory — Nottz, Alchemist, Hi-Tek, Pete Rock, Large Pro, Havoc, Easy Mo Bee, and Buckwild — to craft a focused breakout effort. From the track list alone, this album had the making of either a contemporary classic or an overloaded disaster. As a fan of Term’s since he used to play street corners outside New York labels handing out his mixtapes and dreaming of stardom, I’m excited to announce that Politics quells the hype and then some.

TERMANOLOGY + 7L & ESOTERIC + AKROBATIK + REKS + DJ STATIK SELEKTAH | Middle East downstairs, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge | October 4 | $12 | 617.864.EAST orwww.mideastclub.com

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