Craft Classic

I feel ashamed to have just learned about Azeem so recently in his classic album with DJ Zeph in 2007's "Rise Up." So, I further examined Azeem's rapping with this solo album, "Craft Classic" and I was very impressed. This is a much-needed album in the commericial era of Hip-Hop that we live in and Azeem with his lyrical and subjective consciousness showed that he is way ahead of his time.The lyrics demonstrated pure poetical creativity that extends far above the Hip-Hop limits designed by the mainstream. The production was impressive, supporting Azeem's lyrical talent and hard-work. Some of his amusing clever sarcasm was illustrated in "No Lexus", "Bush Is A Gangsta", "Imma Rmx", "Organic Food Revolutionaries", "Local Registration Paper" and "Goop", mostly interludes but served well in understanding Azeem's approach and delivery."Bush Is A Gangsta" was too funny: "for the price of a cup of coffee, you can send the CIA and other clandestine intelligence services to underprivileged nations around the world for experimentation in chemical and biological warfare, torture train, political assassination and the most popular of all: population control...well after your first donation, you will receive a photo of your ADOPTED agent in some distant land like Somalia..." It is cleverly hilarious.My favorite tracks are the following: "Duragz", "Bush Is A Gangsta", "Anti-Azeem" ft. M. Sayyid & High Priest, and "Palm Wine Too". I highly recommend this album because MC Azeem is clearly one of the most freshest and original rappers in our era following the footsteps of Sugarhill Gang, A Tribe Called Quest and Whodini. This is another must-have album. I highly recommend it.

I regret having waited so long to buy this cd. I finally got around to buying this after hearing some of the tracks and WOW. He is VERY skilled at his craft, his lyrics and delivery on par with the Gift of Gab of Blackalicious in my opinion. Very comprehensible and thought provoking. Some of my favorite tracks, in no orderThunderground - Azeem's take on the life of an underground artist,Organic Food Revolutionaries - follow along with Azeem in the midst of a riot.Northern Light - Cool trip along with Azeem as he drifts away from sanity. His lyrics and delivery meld perfectly with the production and the theme he is creating.Rubber Glue - Without a doubt, I have never heard an artist make any song like this. Unique and well executed!!No Lexus - Though the hook may be a bit repetitve, Azeem more than makes up with his lyrically.This is a great example of quality hip hop. I will be playing this cd for years to come. Another work I would highly recommend from Azeem is Mayhemystics (Azeem and Variable Unit).

On a review of an album that triumphs through words and paints vivid lyrical pictures, it can only be summed up in one word: dope. No, maybe two: Hella Dope! Azeem exhibits pure underground Hip Hop talent that Oakland California is famous for. High energy poetic lyrics lace this LP running over tight beats. Stories are laid before the listener giving us a true view of the albums content. Shown in the hype first track "Simple Ting" Azeem kills with lyical talent, molding words to his will. His flows smash barriers of thought, not only dazzling with rhymes but submerging the listener in deep contemplation of real issues brought by his sharp tongue. Carried over in tracks like "Thunderground," "Imma (rmx)," and the instant classic "No Lexus" Azeem's storytelling leaves you wanting more. We are taken to a political level in "Organic Food Revolutionaries" and the interlude "Bush is a Gangsta" telling tales with a message, and, stated plain as day so only fools wouldn't understand, the problems within our system. This album also kicks on personal tracks like the heartfelt "Palm Wine II" and the disturbing "Northern Lights," but can also make us feel good and laugh with "Duragz" and the hilarious "Rubber Glue." All in all, a great, wonderful, tight, dope, fun, exceptional album. There are not enough superlatives to contain or describe Azeem's amazing lyrical talent. This is the next generation of Hip Hop and y'all need ta peep if you wanna be in on it. Peace!"Stop the tape, these ain't my lyrics, they're my fingertips hallucinating!" -Azeem, Simple Ting