LYRICS BORN
THAT 1 TYME IN THE STUDIO: ACOUSTIC SELECTIONS
INDEPENDENT
![](https://i0.wp.com/spillmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/RATING_4_of_5.jpg?resize=150%2C29&ssl=1)
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, βRock-Rock-Awayβ, 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, βI Like It, I Love Itβ further demonstrates the chemistry between Lyrics Born and his band. The acoustic guitar in particular is especially funk and feels nostalgic for The Ohio Playersβ βFoppβ. The additional use of sung backing vocals provides more than just lush harmonies, but accentuate the lyrics, similar to that of a rapperβs hype man.
Despite this, however, That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections is very much a rap record. This is made clear on ββ¦ Do That Thereβ, a song that references βRoot Downβ 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 βSame But Differentβ, That 1 Tyme In The Studio: Acoustic Selections shines for its versatility. From the dancehall inspired βCallinβ Outβ to a soulfully powerful cover of James Brownβs βThis Is A Manβs World?β, and the bluesy hoedown tone of βChest Wide Openβ, 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 MTVβs unplugged era β particularly that of Jay-Zβs 2001 performance supported by The Roots. In this sense, Lyrics Bornβs 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 genreβs 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.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LYRICS BORN – THAT 1 TYME IN THE STUDIO: ACOUSTIC SELECTIONS
Gerrod Harris