Sound Check: Erykah Badu – New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War (2008)

• Sweetwater says:

  March 1, 2008 at 10:06 am

  What? It seems this review has altogether missed the point of New Amerykah. Ms. Badu, who has been quoted as “an analog girl in a digital world” has a natural penchant for anachronisms and vintage sensibilities. To call the album of her album contrived or stilted or “too retro” is completely out of context. Take a better look.

  Also, for an artist to set conscious, weighty lyrics to such trunk bumpin beats is incredible and gives me shivers just to think of it.

  In a time where a woman and a black man are vying for presidential candidacy with much support (!), this mainstream-released soul-hip-hop album is like a beacon of hope, a sun on the horizon: things might start to change! Hip-hop, young people’s music in general, is the perfect place to start!

  New Amerykah deserves mad props for being ambitious and having gravity in a world where Soulja Boy and Flo Rida are the best things going in “hip-hop.”
• Josh - UMASS, Lowell says:

  March 4, 2008 at 4:33 pm

  Agreed, but only if comparing Badu to today’s clowns. But why compare her to terrible artists? I say raise the standard higher!

  Her album is ok to my ears, but I feel like she’s trying too hard, lyrically and musically. I try not to give credit to an album based solely on its world views, which would make every good-hearted release a classic.

  If you’re looking for a psych funk stunner with a positive message, I recommend Del Jones “Court is Closed” (one of the best LPs I’ve ever heard) or “America Eats Its Young” by Funkadelic. Or The Coup for straight hip-hop.

  Thanks for reading!

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