Consider Patience a penance for Seattle-based producer Jake One, who recently laced the soundscape for Philly coke-rapper Freeway’s remarkable Stimulus Package. For every young gun whom Free corrupts, quasi-conscious Los Angeles rhymer Truthlive grabs a cat and passes knowledge that pertains to something beyond running the block.
Truthlive is more than just a competent MC — he’s righteous without sounding corny (“That Dude),” and at times even romantic without falling into L.L. Cool J booby traps (“Poetry in Motion”). Obsessive lyric junkies won’t be overwhelmed — for all that this disc plays through exceptionally well, it has very few rewind moments.
Light mainstream fans of Common and company, on the other hand, will certainly oblige. As for Jake Uno’s contribution: though Patience is full of giant romps and catchy riffs (as always), consummate rap fiends will notice a few too many familiar samples. (Boston heads will recognize “It’s Easy” from Special Teamz’ “Fallen Angels,” which Jake also produced.) Still, if you can move past his recycling, tremendous bangers like “The Bush Years” lie ahead.
