EMANON-ANON & ON
I'm late as hell, this EP came out months ago, but I just had to review it cuz it's one of my favorite releases of 2002. You may have noticed that Emanon are also featured on my Strictly Hip Hop page. That's because they're dope--for only the finest get recognized here--and they've further proven this with this mini-album. Those out there may be wondering about the name, its meaning and similarity to another high-profile hip hop artist. Well let me learn ya. Emanon is noname spelled backwards. Dizzy Gillespie often gave this (no)name to compositions that he couldn't think of titles for. Apparently, Exile and Aloe Blacc are fans. Lesson over, on to the review.
This EP is part of a series, the Ear Plug Series to be specific, and though I don't own any of the other three, I can say with hella assurance that this installment is the best. It's consistent, not boring consistent as in same type of production, relatively dope rhymes over the period of the album, but each song is quality and gives you something appreciable consistent. The production--mostly handled by Exile--is gorgeous and appropiate, hard and soft in the right places, reminding one of the melodious production of the early 90's without being a complete throwback. And the emceeeing by resident mic handler Aloe Blacc is, as they say, the shit. The EP starts off with "What You Live For," an indictment of fake plastic tress and the people who know no better than to love them. He "lives for much more than the game of life and playing it," making you wonder if you really "know what you live for." One of my personal faves, though some may find it preachy. Another highlight, "Blind Love," is a cutesy trip down memory lane on some ole I used to love/like her shit, her being an actual female in this case. There's this ill ass guitar melody that drives the song, lovely. The next song, "Runaway," is equally as dope, with Aloe following another melodious (but not charminy soft) track as if he's an instrument. Good stuff. "What Can I Do," is particularly dope as it explores the state of world affairs and one's ability to make a difference while maintaing a semblence of normality. Instead of a straight "let's fuck up some shit, burn, loot, kill whitey" lyric, he actually ruminates on the conflict of wanting to be revolutionary and wanting to have a life too. The last track is reserved for the DJs featuring DJ Exile and DJ Day. It's not exclusively for turntablists, actually merging listenability and skill. All in all we have a nice line up here. 8 tracks of dopeness, choose your favorites and enjoy. This album can be bought online at a number of places for chump change. The vinyl only ten bucks and is a double piece set that also comes with the instrumentals. Come on, you need good hip hop, get with Emanon.
*sidenote--there's also a 12" for "What You Live For" that also features two non-EP tracks that continues the theme. These are dope as well.