Syd’s “The Hunger’s Back”: A Review
LABEL: LA FAMILIA MUZIK
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 26, 2008
RATING: 4 OUT OF 5
Syd’s new album “The Hunger’s Back” is great, but it confuses me a little. On the one hand, it’s got tons of street credibility, boasting hooks, beats, and lyricism that rivals anything in the general market. On the other hand, its not as evangelistically potent as the material I have become accustomed to hearing from the holy hip-hop community as of late. So, I committed to listening through the album several times over the last couple of weeks in an effort to more fully understand what my own opinion is. I freely admit that this is strange, but I believe it has led to a more fully-orbed appreciation of Syd’s project.
Title track “The Hunger’s Back” leads off the album and oscillates back and forth between a party vibe and glorifying God. La Famila Muzik’s resident singer, Ryan Horton provides the background vocals on the number. And, if you’re not paying attention, you may well forget you’re even listening to Christian rap. I’m not quite sure if this is an indictment as to the production of other Christian rap CDs, but the production here is pretty sweet. Timbaland and Diddy take note. Taman Edwards guests on “Make’s Me Wanna” which boasts a nice 70’s hook that works well with the track’s reminiscent lyrics. “Vet” will likely have you dropping your shoulders with its crunchy beat. The lyrics are a bit braggadocios for my tastes, but it not as boastful as some of the lyrics I’ve heard from lesser emcees. One of the things Syd seems to do very well is balance. “Everything” is the best track on the album and features a guest spot from A. Gilley. From the lyrics, to the delivery, to the beats, to the production—this track is stellar. “Shotz” is a mini-cypher, featuring Urban D., Tony Stone, and Verse. Their lyrical styles work well together and flow well over the simple slow backbeat. “Life After Death” will have you contemplating exactly that. It is likely the most thoughtful of the entries on this album. “Holy God” is a straight-forward worship track, Ryan Horton joining again to croon praises to the Lord. I could have gone without hearing “Dip” as it doesn’t fit the rest of the album. But, it does fit the La Familia moniker as Carlito P. flows in Spanish and the track boasts a Latin vibe.
On the whole, I think “The Hunger’s Back” is a great effort from the La Familia artist. My confusion with his approach has given way to the knowledge that this album is what it means to embody the Gospel message with our lifestyle as much as our words. The fact that the album is only being released in digital form also speaks to the savvy and street smarts of the label’s artists. Connecting with the streets and knowing that most people aren’t toting around CD players anymore. So, hop on iTunes or connect with La Familia Muzik to grab a “digicard” to download this great album.
Track Listing
1. The Hunger’s Back
2. Makes Me Wanna feat. Tazman Edwards
3. Vet
4. Everything (You Are) feat. A. Gilley
5. Game Face
6. Gone For A Minute
7. Shotz feat. Urban D., Tony Stone, and Verse
8. Life After Death feat. Substance
9. Run It
10. Holy God feat. Ryan Horton
11. Don’t Look Down feat. Eshon Burgundy
12. Dip feat. Carlito P.
