CD Reviews

The Narcicyst | Self-titled

Paranoid Arab Boy (2009)

By CHRIS FARAONE | June 9, 2009

4.0 Stars

I doubted that Montreal-based Iraqi MC Narcicyst would ever drop a more potent project than the 2004 Euphrates masterpiece Stereotypes Incorporated. Following the death of his muse and producer Nofy Fannan (who was one half of the production duo Sandhill) shortly after the group wrapped that anti-totalitarian manifesto, it seemed that Narcy lacked enough inspiration to compose another magnum opus.

But with titanic beats from ace Canadians including his remaining Sandhill homey Habilis, Montreal's most sophisticated saliva slinger returns to the progressive rap forefront with vengeance. It doesn't matter that George Bush no longer sits as king; for this "first-class citizen" with a "second-hand experience," the plight of his native Middle East remains a "same shit, different Saddam" scenario.

Although Narcy lightens up on such battle bangers as "No More Mr. Nice Guy" — and, on catchy flamboyant cuts like "Stars" and "Brass," explores musical territories similar to those traveled by his countrymate K-OS — the undisputed monarch of metaphors settles scores and twists daggers at every turn. Some rappers have the gift of heightened intellect and understanding; others enjoy savant-like linguistic skills. Narcy may be blessed with the deadliest combination of the two that hip-hop has ever seen.

The Narcicyst rises as hip-hop's preeminent post-9/11 auteur
Less than a year ago, the Narcicyst was on his way to a speaking engagement at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington DC, when customs hawks stopped him in his tracks.
Nas rocks the bells
Six months ago my teenage cousins told me they'd been listening to Big Pun. And Nas, and Ghostface, and every other artist who inspires regular road rage in male rap fans between the ages of 28 and 35.
Main Attrakionz | 808s and Dark Grapes II
Following a steady stream of low-budget tracks, mixtapes, and videos posted on their Tumblr this year, the Bay-area stoner rap duo of Squadda B and MondreM.A.N. (a/k/a Main Attrakionz) have raised the stakes by offering up something that resembles a traditional release.
Evidence | Cats & Dogs
As competent as Evidence has always been with mic skills, he's no lyrical miracle.
Das Racist | Relax
They still have jokes for days, but lyrical dexterity has taken precedence on their debut LP.
Boston Rap Class of 2011's Video Directors
We matched 10 of Boston's young badass video directors — some trained, some straight guerilla — with each member of our 10 Rap Class of 2011 and asked them to produce an original video.
Kool Keith had a purple keyboard and green synth
Keith's ubiquitous props are often trumpeted on rap sites and comment boards, where he's cited as the chief influence behind everyone from Tech N9ne to Tyler, the Creator.
Photos: Turquoise Jeep at the Good Life
Flynt Flossy, Pretty Raheem, Whatchyamacallit and Yung Humma of Turqoise Jeep perform at the 5 Year Anniversary Party for "Fresh Produce" at the Good Life, on July 30, 2011.
The year 'new battling' took over Boston
There's one thing that most people know about battle rapping: 8 Mile .
P.O.S. | Never Better
P.O.S. must have known he had a near-classic on his claws with Never Better .
Beef stakes
In quality, record sales, and image, hip-hop has taken a savage beating in the past half-decade.
Less