Cunninlynguists
Strange Journey: Volume Two
The Cunninlynguists were pioneers in creating a "southernunderground" that made room for Little Brother and B.o.B. alike. Almost a decade since they started releasing albums, the Kentucky-Georgia outfit still remains underlooked and extremely consistent in making music that represents its region with substance and soul. Strange Journey: Volume Two may seem like a short-run title or compilation, but rather the release is the trio's sixth, and a body of work that both upholds the Lynguists' conventions as well as plays into the styles and trends of 2009.
"Imperial" is an appropriate starting point for the album. Boasting one of the only retail appearances to date from unsigned titan Freddie Gibbs, the song embodies the kind of lane that Kno and Deacon The Villian invented. The song has a brilliant, hickory-smoked groove courtesy of Kno, while Gibbs steps in to make the song street stuck - not in the traditional New York or Los Angeles since, but unique to the smaller cities of the midwest and southeast regions of the country. Named after the 1973 Chrysler Imperial (which appears on the album cover), the song is one of the best collaborations of 2009. As the case with "Imperial," guests have long been a major point of appeal to Cunninlynguists projects, dating back to Will Rap For Food. "Running Wild" sounds so natural that E-40 should consider more naturalized production for his own releases. Just as the case with the group's biggest hit to date, "Seasons," each emcee from Natti to Deacon to 40 Water to Evidence makes the track their own. The subject matter is cohesive, even if the deliveries and backgrounds of the rappers aren't. "Close Your Eyes" is another show-stopper. Geologic from Blue Scholars proves to be one of the most interesting guests, as he shares his deep love of rhyming on stage, despite limited accolades and monetary returns. Although the 'Lynguists lack the melancholy this time around, their ability to transmit honesty and humanity in sounds and words have always made them endure as a group. Nearly 10 years after "Missing Children," songs like "Close Your Eyes" give fans something they can feel and relate to, no matter age, race, sex, or class.
Although the guests have always given their album mass appeal, Deacon and Kno are the core of the group. Kno's production caters to both fans of chipmunk Soul, as well as deft, '90s New York loop-digging. Deacon has a southern gentleman's charm, as he has long been capable of discussing sophisticated topics on records that still bump in the trunk. Third member Natti continues to grow in his comfort with the group. His drawl and and removed focus on traditional Rap values make the Cunninlynguists sound more accessible to the Dungeon Family fans. At this moment in time, the group chemistry seems its best yet - something that was called into question five years ago when Natti replaced Mr. SOS. Like a quarterback with two distinct receivers, Kno has his emcee and his rapper to pass to, making each track dynamic and unlimited by style or tempo.
Strange Journey: Volume Two is not without its far-reaching moments."The W.W.K.Y.A. Tour" feels like an obligatory QN5 posse cut, with Substantial and Extended Fam. Although the emceeing is superior, the sillier tone of the song may belong on a typical journey, but not this one. Presented to the listener early, we can't always get the message that the Cunninlynguists are to be taken seriously. This mistake is not a new one to the group, and like Masta Ace's ties to the Juice Crew, some fans expect substance to give way to lyricism based on association. The skits also make the album appear lighter than it is. The Cunninlynguists entered this game with a strong sense of humor (apparent in their name), but their gift is not their comedy, but their intricate realism.
Easily mistake for a mixtape or carry-over release by its title, Strange Journey: Volume Two is one of the best sleepers of 2009. Natti has arrived as an emcee that has the delivery the streets want. Deacon remains a master of honest rhymes and complex topics, perfectly matched by Kno's amazingly soulful beats. Every guest on this project is well-chosen, and this album transcends both "southern" and "underground" for a group that deserves to be embraced tighter by a culture they so obviously uphold.
"Imperial" is an appropriate starting point for the album. Boasting one of the only retail appearances to date from unsigned titan Freddie Gibbs, the song embodies the kind of lane that Kno and Deacon The Villian invented. The song has a brilliant, hickory-smoked groove courtesy of Kno, while Gibbs steps in to make the song street stuck - not in the traditional New York or Los Angeles since, but unique to the smaller cities of the midwest and southeast regions of the country. Named after the 1973 Chrysler Imperial (which appears on the album cover), the song is one of the best collaborations of 2009. As the case with "Imperial," guests have long been a major point of appeal to Cunninlynguists projects, dating back to Will Rap For Food. "Running Wild" sounds so natural that E-40 should consider more naturalized production for his own releases. Just as the case with the group's biggest hit to date, "Seasons," each emcee from Natti to Deacon to 40 Water to Evidence makes the track their own. The subject matter is cohesive, even if the deliveries and backgrounds of the rappers aren't. "Close Your Eyes" is another show-stopper. Geologic from Blue Scholars proves to be one of the most interesting guests, as he shares his deep love of rhyming on stage, despite limited accolades and monetary returns. Although the 'Lynguists lack the melancholy this time around, their ability to transmit honesty and humanity in sounds and words have always made them endure as a group. Nearly 10 years after "Missing Children," songs like "Close Your Eyes" give fans something they can feel and relate to, no matter age, race, sex, or class.
Although the guests have always given their album mass appeal, Deacon and Kno are the core of the group. Kno's production caters to both fans of chipmunk Soul, as well as deft, '90s New York loop-digging. Deacon has a southern gentleman's charm, as he has long been capable of discussing sophisticated topics on records that still bump in the trunk. Third member Natti continues to grow in his comfort with the group. His drawl and and removed focus on traditional Rap values make the Cunninlynguists sound more accessible to the Dungeon Family fans. At this moment in time, the group chemistry seems its best yet - something that was called into question five years ago when Natti replaced Mr. SOS. Like a quarterback with two distinct receivers, Kno has his emcee and his rapper to pass to, making each track dynamic and unlimited by style or tempo.
Strange Journey: Volume Two is not without its far-reaching moments."The W.W.K.Y.A. Tour" feels like an obligatory QN5 posse cut, with Substantial and Extended Fam. Although the emceeing is superior, the sillier tone of the song may belong on a typical journey, but not this one. Presented to the listener early, we can't always get the message that the Cunninlynguists are to be taken seriously. This mistake is not a new one to the group, and like Masta Ace's ties to the Juice Crew, some fans expect substance to give way to lyricism based on association. The skits also make the album appear lighter than it is. The Cunninlynguists entered this game with a strong sense of humor (apparent in their name), but their gift is not their comedy, but their intricate realism.
Easily mistake for a mixtape or carry-over release by its title, Strange Journey: Volume Two is one of the best sleepers of 2009. Natti has arrived as an emcee that has the delivery the streets want. Deacon remains a master of honest rhymes and complex topics, perfectly matched by Kno's amazingly soulful beats. Every guest on this project is well-chosen, and this album transcends both "southern" and "underground" for a group that deserves to be embraced tighter by a culture they so obviously uphold.
one moment...
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Comments 26 posts
RK32:
while i liked strange journey vol. 1 a little better, this album also has a lot to offer. these guys are way too slept on
O.G.KUSH:
One of the illest southern rap groups ever.
coolcat72:
very nice album not disappointed at all
ianism:
stop bitching about defining it. kno says its a mixtape. it listens like an album (of 2009 at least). who gives a fuck? its a piece of art. a very, very good piece of art.
Bakke:
Pure greatness
cheri:
I strongly suggest you go to sugarloves. c o m , where i have met many single sugar beauties and rich men, who love chatting sports vedios and nice music online .. .
Simon:
This ALBUM + Strange Journey 1 are FUCKING AMAZING. SJ1 was my first album I heard by these guys and now this one is the second and the songs are just wicked. I can totally groove out to these songs.
Imperial Rock
Streets
Heart
Running wild
Are the best songs,
Close your eyes
The park
are also good songs.
Kokokok:
artistKno said on Nov 30, 2009:
g8torsbizktai20 said:on a different album
We have 4 albums; Will Rap For Food, Southernunderground, A Piece of Strange & Dirty Acres.
I just assumed there would be a certain level of clarity about this since there are entire songs that weâ€(TM)re not even on, remixes and live tracks on V1 and V2.
:)
realtalk82:
Dope album for real doesnt really feel like a mixtape at all though as someone state.MOre rappers need to work w/ these guys.
AK2:
best mixtape of the year imo. I am expecting a very dope album by the next years.
tha bizness:
KNO is one of (if not THE) most underrated, overlooked producer in the game right now. I really liked the Blue Sky Black Death collabo too...great featuring artists in this...except for maybe E-40 lol.
docturjay:
very very good album. if your a hip hop head you'll need to give this a spin.
Rattlesnake93:
They never fail to have an amazing album
Kokokok:
Since when did mixtapes with original production automatically turn into albums?
THIS IS A MIXTAPE, just like SJv1 & both Sloppy Seconds.
Onto the actual release though, I like it from front to back. Easily the most consistent group in hip hop, and humor is CLs gift, it's just that it's one of many :)
Jonesy Stark:
This joint here is one of the dopest albums of the year, no debate, folk. It's a little darker than Volume 1 and I love it when these guys go dark. Kno goes in on the beats, Deacon & Natti come correct with that country twang, and the guest more often than not bring their a game. Writer pretty much nailed this review IMO, except for the whole "W.W.K.Y.A. Tour Remix" not fitting, I think it's a very, dope and hilarious song. CL, even on their darkest works (Dirty Acres), incorporate humor and the beat matches the soundscape provided. If any track needs to go it's easily Tear Tracks, Kno wasted a soul stirring beat on Cashmere's milquetoast rhymes.
coolcat72:
Bought the album friday very impressed i dig it alot but i think alot of cats is gonna sleep on it unfortunately
anon:
The Writer, fuck your life.
BrooksyBoy:
Awesome
TimmWith2Ms:
My favorite album of the year. And it's not even officially an album. Cats who sleep on this are missing out.
donnnnnnnnnnnnnn:
it okay
tical:
Great album. CL always deliver quality material.
Krookedbone:
"The W.W.K.Y.A. Tour" feels like an obligatory QN5 posse cut, with Substantial and Extended Fam ''
Please do some research before you make statements like this. Extended Famm IS a group comprising of Tonedeff, PackFM and SUBSTANTIAL. So much for your credit.
the writer:
I am well aware, but notice how the actual CD credits list it, then start calling my credit into question. Do you even own the CD?
Krookedbone:
'I am well aware, but notice how the actual CD credits list it, then start calling my credit into question. Do you even own the CD? '
I take it back, you're right, didn't know you meant it like that.
ianism:
it is listed like that because the (original version of the) track was on Substantial's EP with Burns and it is listed on this as featuring eF@mm for obvious reasons. thus, it IS an Extended F@mm track, and the Subtantial featuring them was simply due to (and arguably to highlight) it being originally on his release rather than a collective one.
so you can shut up now. and by the way, yes i own a copy of it. two in fact.
Slackdaddy:
first biyatch !!!!!