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Brand Nubian's comeback album opens with a brief snippet of The Isley
Brothers soulfully singing "Here We Go Again", which makes for a
beautiful intro -- almost as perfect as Foundation's first cut, "The
Return". Premier's signature scratches form the chorus: "Grand Puba,
Lord Jamar, Sadat X, Alamo. Raised in the ghetto singing songs for
survival". Hearing their names together like this is enough to bring a
smile to your face.
"You ain't heard us all together in several years / It's like a
federal crime / You had to settle for rhymes that lack substance / We
got that in abundance / Pro-black and you know that / We stay fat like
Joe Crack / Lord Jamar come too far to ever try and go back". One for
all, Jamar speaks for the whole crew. Brand Nubian has returned.
The gods retained their chemistry -- and their spirituality. They're
still about justice, knowledge of self, and Black love. Of course,
their 5 Percent teachings would have a hard time reaching their
intended audience if they weren't backed by equally strong tracks.
Fortunately, producers Lord Finesse, Buck Wild and Diamond D are on
hand and represent the D.I.T.C. lovely. Finesse comes correct with 4
solid tracks, including "The Beat Change" .
"Look, listen and observe, it took precision to connect
The words of dialect within a rhythm you never heard
Forbidden fruit, take a bite, you could lose your life
like how they crucified Christ Musa's hair was white
Lord Jamar, Sadat X and Puba's here tonight"
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