Wednesday, April 15, 2009 12:40pm | Posted by Blue
DaSouth.com Stars:
Let’s put all the cards on the table. 2Edge has got a voice you want to hear from song to song. He doesn’t attempt to do anything that he can’t do – which is why his flow is effective. Clarity and well spoken dialog are the order of the day. Occasionally there are those bars that are crammed to capacity with cleverly twisted syllables – but not so much that it becomes tiresome. Apart from very slight in and out of pocket experiences, 2Edge’s vocals compliment his tracks with styles that are admirably appealing. Production is top notch from the likes of DJ Morph, Teddy P, G Styles, and Tony Stone to 2Edge himself. Notable features include Young Joshua, Eddie Nigma, K-Drama, Mac the Doulos, and Mark J.
If there was one word to describe this project and it’s sound – it would have to be “big.” Is it going to satisfy the average consumer? If above average is the only way I can describe the overall experience, then a simple “yes” would be the response. Having said all of that, you have to know, lyrically – this is not a genre defining album, and that’s OK. If you are already a fan or are familiar with 2Edge from his involvement with the group 1Way, you will want to cop the album asap. While this must be a defining moment for 2Edge personally, as this marks his first solo release, it will be more of the same for many.
While I’m Still Breathin’ breaks out of the starting gate with a bang. It makes you want to review the video to make sure that it didn’t jump before the whistle blew. From the opening act to the credits, While I’m Still Breathin’ meets the beginning to end requirements. You will not skip a song when you are introduced to the album. Long Time Comin’ sets the tone and gives you a reasonable expectation of what you are about to hear. The next three songs kick the doors open and fortify the albums position without apology. Heavy kicks, heavy synth, analog basslines, distorted guitar riffs, and some raw bottom end makes the sonic experience “big” and test the limits of your stereo.
I don’t want to finger wag or accuse the album of sticking to an overall style though. Just when you get comfortable with the raw dirty tracks found within, you will be happy to meet it’s textbook, heavy hitting hip hop neighbors. ‘We Different’ feat. K-Nuff & Proverb is a banger straight up. ‘Why Lie’ feat. Young Joshua, Eddie Nigma & G-Notes is what I refer to as Dirty Big Band – rugged and motivational by nature, while ‘Grace & Mercy feat. Break Bread is it’s Hip Hop Big Band counterpart. ‘Back To You’ feat. K-Drama & Aimee Fahnestock has the commercial appeal without selling out. ‘Jericho’ feat. Mac The Doulos & Mark J will make heads nod for years to come. ‘Let It All Go’ (Album Version) brings Tony Stone’s signature melodic ear candy to a track laced with a chorus that will make you think you are dreaming. Keeping things contextual, you will not go far without being reminded that Jesus is the reason. ‘Who Do You Say He Is?’ and ‘Hear My Prayer’ both give the listener time to catch their breath, while ‘Your #1 Fan’ will have you fondly looking backward to all of the artists that have touched you throughout the years.
If there is any fault to be found with the album it is with the song ‘Have Your Way’. I completely identify with the lyrics – but in my estimation it didn’t work. It was like a break between breaks and brought the album to a complete standstill. Had the song been in a different place, it might have changed my perception of it – but this is a minor side note in an album with a lot of value. To quote my trusty iTunes rating system, 4 of the 19 tracks hit the 5 star mark – 11 of which hit 4 stars respectively. Long gone are the days of only squeezing out a hit or two from an album. 2Edge’s offering attempts to continue that trend and succeeds on most levels. The presentation, production, mixing and mastering are all of the highest caliber.
While I’m Still Breathin’ is not the everyday impulse item you will find near the cashier before checkout. It is by all means an entry into a growing genre with many talented contributors. Heavy with the sound, a fairly distinct measure of milk and meat, a moderate amount of word play, a little something for everyone. It is a combination of the fresh and familiar all in one. I am not in the habit of sparing a believers feelings in the name of the Lord. 2Edge is a brother that I would encourage to keep doing what he is doing. Enough said. If he is not already on your radar – check for the blip. If you are a fan of any of the names mentioned in the review, chances are that you will listen to this again and again – at least until he gives us the next chapter.
