SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LYRICS BORN – THAT 1 TYME IN THE STUDIO: ACOUSTIC SELECTIONS

LYRICS BORN
THAT 1 TYME IN THE STUDIO: ACOUSTIC SELECTIONS
INDEPENDENT

For his 15th album, underground hip-hop icon Lyrics Born has returned with That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections. In a unique step for the rap genre, the 10-track record is a collection of his previous work, rearranged and recorded in a live and acoustic context. In such, Lyrics Born has provided a refreshing artistic reinvention for what he is promising to be his penultimate album.

Flanked by percussion, pianos, and guitars, the arrangements that make up That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections are jangly. Upon hearing the opening track, “Rock-Rock-Away”, Lyrics Born sounds less like a rapper, and more of a contemporary blues artist. While his performance is in fact rapping, there is a hint of melodicism and a distinct rasp to his voice that makes rhythmic flow feel sung. The following song, “I Like It, I Love It” further demonstrates the chemistry between Lyrics Born and his band. The acoustic guitar in particular is especially funk and feels nostalgic for The Ohio Players’ “Fopp”. The additional use of sung backing vocals provides more than just lush harmonies, but accentuate the lyrics, similar to that of a rapper’s hype man.

Despite this, however, That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections is very much a rap record. This is made clear on “… Do That There”, a song that references “Root Down” by The Beastie Boys and allows for Lyrics Born to shred a masterful lyrical flow at an expressive clip. While Lyrics Born continues to demonstrate himself as a formidable MC, especially on “Same But Different”, That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections shines for its versatility. From the dancehall inspired “Callin’ Out” to a soulfully powerful cover of James Brown’s “This Is A Man’s World?”, and the bluesy hoedown tone of “Chest Wide Open”, That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections is a very strong record.

That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections is very reminiscent of MTV’s unplugged era – particularly that of Jay-Z’s 2001 performance supported by The Roots. In this sense, Lyrics Born’s latest album is a rarity among the genre. As a result, Lyrics Born breathes a new sense of life into his past work that effectively sees hip-hop adapt for an acoustic context. In such, we see that the modern genre’s roots go further back than its 51 years, and connect to a greater lineage of cultural tradition. That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections stands as an exciting musical experience and, should this actually be his second last record, then Lyrics Born is gearing up for a major conclusion following this entry to his massive catalogue.

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