Cunninlynguists - Dirty Acres

In the eyes of most hip hop purists, the South has been slowly eliminating its own validity within this genre. Mainstream media has embraced the Southern hip hop subculture as long as its artists don’t stray from the typical formula of money, misogyny, and materialism. Leave it up to this Kentucky-based trio to deviate from standard protocol and shatter all stereotypes associated with hip hop originating from the dirty south. Producer Kno and MCs Deacon the Villain and Natti—collectively known as the CunninLynguists—drop a worthy contender for this year’s best album. If you are familiar with the CunninLynguists’ body of work, you’ll know that they’ve been consistently dropping solid material. While the group’s style has changed significantly since their debut album, they have been able to please listeners with each successive release. Fans hoping for the group to return to the same carefree, fun-loving style that was abundant on their early releases will have to keep wishing. This album isn’t akin to previous work such as Will Rap for Food or SouthernUnderground. Instead, it traverses the same path as A Piece of Strange, which stood out as one of 2006’s best releases. Kno’s lush, sample-heavy production is fused with live instrumentation to create a dark and moody atmosphere that provides a perfect compliment to Deacon and Natti’s conscious verses and austere subject-matter. The guest appearances by Dungeon Family members Big Rube and Witchdoctor are fitting because this CD plays like something from the bygone era when the South was synonymous with groups such as OutKast and Goodie Mob. Aside from the two previously mentioned artists, Phonte from Little Brother, Devin the Dude, Sheisty Khrist, Club Dub, and Jazz artist Chizuko Yoshihiro all make contributions to the album. The featured artists only elevate the quality of this album, and do nothing to detract from the verbal proficiency of Deacon and Natti. The lyrical content of Dirty Acres actually has substance—a quality that is noticeably absent from a majority of hip hop coming from the same area. The group addresses the harsh living conditions that burden their Southern brethren amidst the organ loop, funky guitar licks, and soulful bass lines of the title track. Contemporary issues such as corrupt police (“Gun”), female exploitation (“Dance for Me”), and racism (“Georgia”) are all tackled on this album. Kno raises the tempo on “K.K.K.Y.”—an ode to their home base. Deacon and Natti ride the piano-laden beat of this Kentucky anthem while an eerie vocal sample croons in the background. The song is followed by one of the albums strongest cuts as Devin the Dude lends his vocals to “Wonderful.” Don’t get it twisted, this isn’t another cliché song about ladies. The group is able to keep the topic fresh without degrading the opposite sex. Kno manages to avoid sounding trite while employing a sped-up vocal sample and R&B hook. The whole CD is enjoyable from start to finish. After numerous listens, this album is able to avoid sounding mundane. Even the two well-placed interludes help the listener transition into the next song, rather than serving as filler. The biggest disappointment associated with this album is the fact that it will most likely fail to garner as much acclaim and mainstream acceptability as the next Young Jeezy or Lil Wayne release.

1. Never - (with Big Rube)
2. Valley of Death
3. Dirty Acres
4. Kentucky (Interlude)
5. K.K.K.Y
6. Wonderful - (with Devin The Dude)
7. Yellow Lines - (with Witchdoctor/Phonte Coleman)
8. Park, The - (with Chizuko Yoshihiro)
9. Summers Gone
10. They Call Me (Interlude)
11. Gun - (with Sheisty Khrist)
12. Dance For Me
13. Georgia
14. Things I Dream
15. Mexico - (with Club Dub)

download link:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0MILE63H

Cunninlynguists - K.K.K.Y.