The Bar Exam: Ode to the Ghetto

Artist: Guilty Simpson

Album : Ode to the Ghetto

Label: Stones Throw

By L.D.Williams Jr



Breakdown

In an exclusive interview that you can find right here on this site [by clicking here] I asked DC's own and very outspoken music critic Judah which he artists he liked in hip hop. He answered Guilty Simpson. Judah is not alone with his praise of the Detroit bred MC. Legendary producer J Dilla said that Guilty Simpson was one of his favorite artists to work with. When a deceased legend the caliber of J Dilla stamps you then naturally high expectations are going to be attached to your name. When Judah says he feels you then your album is a subject for The Bar Exam.

Guilty Simpson does not disappoint with his Stones Throw debut “Ode to the Ghetto”. This is the type of album that I have been waiting for. This is a very balanced album. The production in the project is solid but what can you expect when producers for the album include the likes J Dilla, Madlib and Black Milk.

Ode to the Ghetto is just a soundtrack of a man that is deeply immersed in his settings. “American Dream”, “Footwork” and “Robbery” are memoirs of a man that is hungry in impoverished settings. Guilty also addresses the ladies on “She Won't Stay Home”. Guilty Simpson gives you raw passion and his real feelings on “The Real Me”. “Ode to the Ghetto” is exactly what Guilty describes it as.

Ode to the Ghetto is going to be largely underappreciated in the eyes of the general consumer and to be totally honest it is unfortunate. I am sure that there is someone out there that is asking why should I go to the store and buy CDs. Guilty Simpson is the remedy.

This album has anything that you could ask for a solid flow, strong production, and an artistic honest effort. This is an album that you can hold up and compare to some of the seminal works in hip hop history. In an era where it is easy to download or burn an album this project is worth every penny that you are going to spend. All hip hop heads should have this disc in their collection. This album is an artistic narrative that a lot of people can live vicariously through and relate to. This is one of the best all around efforts that I have heard all year.



Final Score: 4.5/5

Ode to the Ghetto track list:
1. The American Dream
2. Robbery
3. She Won't Stay At Home
4. Footwork
5. Ode To The Ghetto
6. Get Bitches
7. I Must Love You
8. The Future Feat. Med
9. Pigs
10. My Moment
11. Run Feat Sean P & Black Milk
12. Kinda Live
13. Yikes
14. The Real Me
15. Kill ‘Em
16. Almighty Dreadnaughtz, feat Super Mc, Krizsteel, Konnie Ross