For our first album review on SportofShaolin, lets take a look at California-based group Strong Arm Steady and their sophomore album called "In Search of Stoney Jackson."This album was fully produced by Madlib, a veteran and beat-making heavyweight, one of the greatest producers in hip hop history. Over the past year, (see Fashawn/Exile album), there have been a number of single producer albums that have been greatly successful and resulted in well-crafted music. This is the definitely the case here. Madlib shines not just with, but over the Strong Arm Steady crew,his unique beats makes the listening experience a pleasurable one.
Right off the bat we hear Phonte, from Little Brother, give his opinion on the bleak economic times we are going through on "Best of Times," one of the highlight tracks from the LP. The next song "Cheeba Cheeba," is a marijuana anthem and Madlib uses the appropriate sampling, let me tell you my head was nodding to this beat the second I heard the 30-sec sample. Although the SAS crew, (made up of Krondon, Phil the Agony, and Mitchy Slick), do a fine job on the mic, the guest appearances take this album to a different level. Fellow West Coast emcee Planet Asia goes hard on a number of tracks, the song "New Love" caught my ear especially. In the middle of the album we reach "Get Started" one of the singles from the album. The track opens with a Talib Kweli verse, which of course does not disappoint. Everyone comes correct on this joint and how many times can I tell you how talented Madlib is? Once more apparently, because even though the second half of the LP can't match up with the first, his production overall is brilliant.
I've always been a big fan of Stones Throw Records, and this release is another noteworthy accomplishment. We are lucky to have a boatload of Madlib material coming this year, (Madvillian 2!!), so I'll be sure to let you guys know what else the Beat Konducta is cookin for us. Check below the rating for the download link and the "Get it Started" track.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Download Strong Arm Steady-In Search of Stoney Jackson
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