Album Review in WEMERGE magazine-2010
When The 7D recorded their latest CD,
“Songs in a Language Once Spoken,”
they obviously had something else
in mind beyond just rapping over some beats
to sound cool, get paid, and get famous. Paying
attention to almost any random lyric on the 19-
track independent release calls attention to the
fact that MCs Chopp Devize and Pilot Rai are
really trying to wake up, educate, and inspire
their listeners. Their music takes fans in another
direction, the 7th Direction, which is where the
conscious people travel on a path toward self
mastery and personal betterment, while having
fun and vibing with the sounds of real hip-hop
music, provided by The Architect’s production
and the turntable skills of DJ Immortal.
“Sounds of Struggle“ speaks directly to the
hearts of those out there that are struggling to
make something of their lives and inspires them to
hang on, hold their heads up, and just stay focused.
“Another Way” carries a similar message, speaking
to those not happy with where they are in life and
encouraging them to make the choices that will
lead them to where they need to go. “Transform” is
the record’s sleeper hit, a track that has the vibe of
a well produced “conscious party track,” something
almost like “Hip-Hop” by Dead Prez. The verses by
Chopp Devize, Pilot Rai, and special guest Vibe One
combine with DJ Immortal’s infectious scratches &
cuts to create a track that can literally “transform”
a stressed or worried normal working person into
a carefree dance machine basking in the moment
and the music.
Aside from the collective power of the group,
The 7D’s individual members are each worthy of
the spotlight, like when Pilot Rai opens his heart
up on “She’s Somewhere Tonight,” which shows
just how up and down it can be inside the head
of an artist dealing with a break up. “For the
Music” illustrates how important music is in the
lives of the members of The 7D, reminding us of
how important it is in our own lives too. Chopp
Devize says it best when he tries to imagine a life
without it, “…no music, I’m a featherless wing,
spiraling endlessly without a destiny, but that will
never be, cause it’s embedded in me…” “Attitude”
is another stand out track. The intensity of the
production and the energy behind the delivery
make it the perfect soundtrack for physical
training. It’s what it sounds like when talented
artists vent, and it makes you wanna pump
some weight, run a few miles, and then go take
on the world. A review of this must-listen CD
would not be complete without mentioning the
genius behind “Resurrection,” which is definitely
a song written in a language once spoken. It’s the
language spoken back when hip-hop promoted
life, positivity, and personal strength. Go grab
the CD, and listen to a forgotten language. You’ll
remember it all over again.
Songs in a Language Once Spoken
-RW
Album Review in WEMERGE magazine-2010
When The 7D recorded their latest CD,
“Songs in a Language Once Spoken,”
they obviously had something else
in mind beyond just rapping over some beats
to sound cool, get paid, and get famous. Paying
attention to almost any random lyric on the 19-
track independent release calls attention to the
fact that MCs Chopp Devize and Pilot Rai are
really trying to wake up, educate, and inspire
their listeners. Their music takes fans in another
direction, the 7th...
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