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hip.hop :: reviews Open Thought :: The Force of Life October 2003 by Mikal Lee |
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The self-contained crew has put out their second project independently,
and the quality of the production and music is top notch. Baba is an accomplished
emcee, poet, performer and activist who, believe it or not, only lets
you have a taste of what he can do vocally on the album (anyone who has
seen his shows live can attest to this). The album expresses love, unity,
grass roots activism as well as showcasing the b-boy talents of the crew.
The title track "The Force of Life" provides upbeat bass by
Yako; live trumpets from Michael Irwin and Baba ensuring you live life
to the fullest. As he speaks about the pitfalls of mainstream imagery
and the importance of living in the moment, Center fills in with precision
cuts and scratches. The album moves to the track "Changes",
where Baba reflects on life as well as telling a quick story of scorned
lovers and their loss of a baby. Beautiful keys and vocal samples provide
a backdrop that wraps itself around Baba’s rhymes. The refrain remarks
and punctuates, "everything changes nothing remains the same the
way of the universe the rules of the game". "Eyes Open"
and "Move" provide a lighter vibe that reflects the warmness
of Open Thought’s music. "Beat box Love" and "Didge
Break" again show the crew flexing their diverse talents of beat
boxing, djing and didgeridoo playing. "War Poem" and "Black Music" provide a glimpse of
Baba’s dedication to not only the history of his craft but also to
the global community, as he reflects on "NYC", "I’m
not Bi-coastal/I’m Bi-Global" and his open views reflect that
(as well as his roots to Australia.) One of the better tracks on the album
- "Cold Cut" – is Baba’s story of a young black man
wronged and caught in circumstances with the police. The Force of Life is a complete album providing you a little bit of everything without diminishing the power of the words or the force of the rhythms. If you are looking for an album that not only makes you move, but think, reflect and smile too, look no further. |
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When
you hear the phrase "open thought", you think of an open mind
- the action of having various points of views or being receptive to them.
The crew that consists of Baba Israel, Yako and DJ Center combines various
skills and talents to create thoughtful, fun and accessible music. providing
many viewpoints without watering down the message. These three accomplished
musicians (Yako on percussion and bass, Baba a beat boxer, emcee and master
of the didgeridoo, DJ Center on the tables) representing New York City
combine their love of hip-hop, music and activism with an organic sound
that is warm and inviting. 
I
guess this is me, long winded, compassionate, hyper and bi-polar. I've
been a writer since high school. People didn't seem to want to listen
to me, but they would read what I wrote. Problem solved. I have a love
for art and counterculture, so I look to express those feelings in my
writing. I'm a lyricist for several groups, a poet and dancer.I tend to
be in the middle of everything, even when I don't want to be. My entire
personality is a contradiction, a shy extrovert who loves to be around
people but is more comfortable alone. Told you I was a contradiction.
I used to be the cliche "nice guy" but I think I've shed that
image a little since now I'm no longer dependent on parental units and
have to fend for myself..this world eats nice guys. You can be the judge
but I've been described as an underweight Freeway or an overweight posodonous.
Look closely at the profile. A shameless romantic who is still trying
to figure how to get federal funding for being me. My apartment looks
like I never left college and if I shave and use my old college ID I actually
can pass to get a few bucks off movies for student rates...still. NYC
sucks...but there is no other place I can be right now.