Ladybug Mecca

After almost a decade of silence from one of hip-hop's most beloved crews, Ladybug of Digable Planets is back with a solo debut. Long time Digable fans might be surprised to hear the new sounds of Ladybug. Trip the Light Fantastic is definitely not another Blowout Comb. This album is diversely beautiful; it's an aural documentation of Ladybug's journey through love, life, religion, spirituality and raising four kids. She represents lovely singing, scatting and rapping over rock, pop, hip-hop, samba, salsa, funk, soul, nu-jazz and electronic beats. Don't let the cover art fool you though, as this is not a cheesy album. "Don't Disturb the Peace" is the first song that completely grabs your attention with gorgeous singing, melody and flow and it just keeps going from there. The Digable "Rebirth of Slick" style of rapping that she is known for shines through on standout tracks, "Ladybug Come Outside," "Sexual Alchemy" and "Dogg Starr." Each song is a different story and a different journey of style, sound and inspiration and it all comestogether in a cohesive, stunning way. At first this album may be a lot to take in but after a few listens it really grows, just like Ladybug Mecca has grown into her own.