Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Crate Diggging: Razah's Ladder

by Blue Sky Black Death and Hell Razah

Among the artists who populate the hip-hop sub-genre of "pseudo-Biblical, street prophet, slightly pretentious, Wu-affiliated rap", none compare to Hell Razah. He exemplifies this genre, and shows more lyrical versatility than many of his compatriots, except perhaps for Killah Priest.

On this album, a collaboration with the production duo Blue Sky Black Death, Razah gives more of what he's best at. A quick glance at the list of song titles on the album ('Halos', 'Project Prophecy', 'Stairway to Heaven', 'Poor Righteous Dreams', and others) give a clear indication of what the listener is in for - Razah's reaching for a higher level of discourse on this album, but still spitting at street level.

BSBD provide some very nice beats on this album. They are able to channel that Wu sound, but add their own stamp to it. This is a solid album, with guest appearances from some of the usual suspects: Shabazz the Disciple, Prodigal Sunn, and a couple of the Non-Phixion boys.

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