A.O.K.
If You Don't But This CD The Terrorists Win

By Thomas Quinlan

As would be expected from any album sporting this too-long title, Edmonton MC A.O.K. (aka Assault On Knowledge) presents his fair share of controversial topics. On “Unintelligent Redesign,” A.O.K. counters the arguments of creationists with a timely rebuttal to Ben Stein’s documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed and takes the religious subject one step further on “You Are a God.” “Freedom is a State of Mind” breaks down the impossibility of true freedom, connecting the dots between a set of quotes from George W. Bush and Martin Luther King, Jr., and A.O.K. finishes off the album with a bonus track on Middle East politics over Middle East-inspired production featuring guests Cousin Moe and Spinning Truth. But it’s not all serious. With opening anthem track “Walk Like a Man,” A.O.K. shows his swagger and then on smooth “Hip Hop a la Mode,” he demonstrates his lyrical wordplay. “Miss Greenlay” and “Coffee Shop Girl” cover two different sides of the hip-hop love ballad, while “The Hood Samaritans” is a humorous homage to Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Album highlights “Tales From Planet Grolic” and “Fake I.D.” attack the current state of hip-hop, with the former putting a unique spin on what is fast becoming an underground staple. If You Don’t Buy This CD The Terrorists Win is a refreshing release from an artist intent on providing variety within his music, and is certainly worth finding for those interested in the same. (Ill-Legitimate)

Opio - Vulture's Wisdom Vol. 1
The first instalment of a collaborative trilogy with producer Architect, Vulture’s Wisdom is an exercise in brevity at 14 songs in 39 minutes. Aside from the seemingly gratuitous “About Love” and “Don Julio,” Vulture’s Wisdom Vol.1 has a unique flavour that tastes like a mix of ’90s ra ...Read More
Vast Aire - Dueces Wild
Regardless of how transient his career may be, it’s hard to forget the anguished voice of Vast Aire. Although his solo efforts were never embraced like his group work with Cannibal Ox, Vast has the persona and artistry to hold his own. Dueces Wild is his most boastful work to date, his confid ...Read More
Bugzy Bogart - Ninety-Four
Crunk 23 - Dirty Bling
The DC Show - Bizarremageddon!
Flobots - Fight with Tools
Foul Mouth Jerk - Streetlight Music
Infinite Livez vs. Stade - Morgan Freeman's Psychedelic Semen
Kam Move - Self-Centered
Manafest - Citizens Activ
Mic Boogie - That's Me
Nas - Untitled
Reks - Grey Hairs
Shawn Jackson - First Of All
Shaya - Fallen Awake
Suika - Kakkoii
Various Artists - Hokey Religions And Ancient Weapons (Are No Match For A Good Blaster)
Vast Aire - Dueces Wild
So, picture this: the thinking person's Southern rock band that combine the funk of New Orleans, the musical skills of jazz fusion pioneers Weather Report and the sweetest singing and songwriting this side of Lucinda Williams. Well, that about sums up Little Feat, circa 1977, when this concert was f... Full Review
On his second album, Unbalance, 2562 continues to fuse genres and theories about rhythmic persuasion. Less atmospheric than his highly acclaimed avant-dub-step debut, this new disc further showcases 2562's unerring sense of swing. Though he denies any intentional influences from Africa... Full Review
Gurpreet "The Tabla Guy" Chana combines a deep knowledge of Indian classical music and a lifetime of Canadian musical experiences into a unique approach to percussion. He is both a spellbinding solo performer and a consummate collaborator. Raised in Hamilton, now residing in Toronto, Chana's tabla education began at age three. He relates a time-honoured musical starting point, albeit with specific cultural resonance.... Read More
Social Networking
• Be our friend on MySpace
• Be our fan on Facebook
Tweet us on twitter
Viewing the August 2008 Issue: Contents PageNewsClick Hear • Articles --> On the Cover  •  Front Five  •  Points  •  Comics  •  Questionnaire  •  Release Dates  •  Research  •  Timeline  •  Conversations • Music Reviews --> Recently Reviewed  •  Aggressive Tendencies  •  Beats & Rhymes  •  Destination Out  •  Frequencies  •  Groove  •  No Future  •  Pop Rocks  •  Wood, Wires & Whiskey  •  Concert Reviews • Motion Reviews --> Recently Reviewed  •  Dvd Reviews  •  Film Reviews  •  Music DVD Reviews  •  Short Film Fest  •  Videogame Reviews • Music School --> Label Life  •  Where I play Contests • Contact --> About Us  • Advertising  • Distribution  • Getting Reviewed  • Getting Published  • Letters To The Editor  • Partnerships  • Subscriptions • Exclaim! Radio --> Aggressive Tendencies Radio  • Beats & Rhymes Radio  • Destination Out Radio  • Frequencies Radio  • Groove Radio  • No Future Radio  • Pop Rocks Radio  • Wood, Wires & Whiskey Radio Exclaim! TV • Home & Latest Issue Browse Issues