A Pipe Dream and a Promise

by Finale

This is Finale's first solo album, and it is a bit of a mixed bag. There are plenty of fine producers here, representing the D and from elsewhere, but some of the tracks don't quite live up to the promise mentioned in the title.

Invincible and Finale work well together, as seen on their other releases, and that continues to hold true for 'The Waiting Game'. Waajeed supplies the beat for 'The Senator', which loops Senator Clay Davis on The Wire saying his trademark "Sheeeeeeeeeeiiiiit" and makes me laugh every time I hear it.

Dilla provides some 'Heat', but it's clearly a B-list beat from the master. Other notable producers include Kev Brown, Khrysis, Black Milk (of course), Nottz, Ta'Raach, Oddisee, and various Lab Technicians. It is a consistent-sounding album, it's just that a few of the tracks are boring. Finale is great when he's spitting truth, but when he attempts some more radio-friendly tracks, the energy sort of dies out.

The stand-out track to me is the last one 'Paid Homage (RIP J. Dilla)'. In it, Flying Lotus remixes 'Fall in Love', and Finale rhymes about the influence Dilla has had on him and his music. It's a touching song, and a lovely way to round out the album.