Writer's Block Records presents to the world the new face of hip-hop in A.D.
This Decatur (Not Georgia, but Illinois) native brings to the table a tenacity and rigor for quality in lyricism and song, unparalleled in this genre of music to date. Not only is it evidenced by his rapport with the streets after the release of his solo debut album, Writer's Block, but also the support of the music community at large has catapulted A.D. into the driver's seat of the "next big thing" vehicle. Recent history has shown us, with the rise of big selling rap artists in the South and the Midwest, that this area does have something to take notice of.
This something is A.D.
With an arsenal of material as yet unreleased and new music being recorded continuously, longevity is not an issue this artist will have to come to terms with. If the music that has hit the stores already is any indication of what's to come, then the rapper definitely has a very bright future ahead of himself.
Writer's Block is a masterfully collected book of narratives structured to take you through the mind and eyes of the 22-year old, self-proclaimed "thinker". The album, with no skits or interludes is non-stop from start to finish, opening with the sure to be classic "Quiet On the Set" and ending with the delivery of the emotional, rage-filled, middle-finger-you at everything from politics to fake friends, aptly titled "I Don't Need You". The former, acting as warm-up for the next fifteen tracks serves it's purpose effortlessly. Firing fierce lyrics combined with a monolithic delivery and a show stopping, more than double-time hooks, the opener leaves you begging for more.
More is given. "Get Off the Floor" keeps it moving, while "Stressin' My Words" is a collaborative effort with another Decatur-based artist, Crson. This is destined to be a favorite of any man dealing with the issues of money hungry people or baby-mama drama, respectfully.
The wall shaking club banger "Who You Really Wit?" will definitely be the next anthem in nightspots everywhere. From the rapid-fire delivery, to the catchy hook, this song has heavy rotation written all over it.
"Honorary", next in the lineup, gives the album variety with A.D., posing as "The Royal Flyness", displaying wit and personality over a very smooth, guitar-laden track.
The momentum is kept up by another pacesetter entitled "Where Y'all At?". From the gothic horns and violins to the pounding kick drums, this song will keep a party going as well.
Though the whole project evokes a feeling of consciousness "Conversation" takes that emotion and runs with it. This song pairs A.D., trading words with Chicago native, Truth, also the song's producer. The selection sounds more like a testimonial rather than a conversation, but still excites all the same.
Upon listening, immediate thoughts of the "Africa Medallion wearing days" come to mind. Mark this one as a treat for the underground.
On the title track, "Writer's Block", a diamond amongst precious jewels, A.D. gives you a firsthand view of home according to his vision. With a "life like an eight bar rhyme [he] wrote to the beat", you get a better understanding of the streets that he knows.
The next two tracks, "Lost In the Storm" and "L.I.T.S pt.2" also serve up a message for the masses. Separated only by track numbers, the two song set is a warning signal for those caught up in the hype of a "one-night-stand" lifestyle. Truth also lends his vocals on the hook, last verse, and pt.2 of the song.
"...While I'm wavin' three fingers screaming read between the lines" chants Crson on the hook of the song entitled "Read Between the Lines". There's no description of this song other than that.
Mr. "Why is he fly?" gets grimy with this dedication to a "shady record deal" by throwing blows at his competition without hesitation or worry, ending the last verse "...if you dream a bad thought about me, wake up and apologize!".
"Too Much" follows, bringing out the true emcee with the second verse starting "Anno Domini/ Arguably Dominatin' All..." and continuing a barrage of consecutive words beginning with A's and D's (in that order) ending with "...Amazed Disillusioned And Dizzy After Detecting A.D.".
This guy really is too much! After the lesson in Wordplay 101, A.D. decides to help further the understanding of why the album is called Writer's Block by reading a short poem, "Niggas & Negroes". He goes into detail about politics, according to his understanding to prepare you for "Don't Breathe the Air", arguably the most controversial song of the collection due to some of the views expressed.
"Anno Domini" acts as a theme song for the rhyme superhero who abbreviates the meaning of his name. More or less, this song is A.D. getting loose over a hard sample and drum track to prove, above all else, that he is heir to the rap throne.
Another collaboration with Truth is "It Can't Be...". Flipping the meaning of the oh so popular hip-hop cliche "...dollar, dollar bills y'all", the duo paint a vivid picture of life without money from two perspectives. This song also has commercial hit potential in the mellow groove and heartfelt lyricism involved in making it.
All in all, the album is "must-listen" material from start to finish. Handling production duties for most of the project is veteran d.j. and producer, DJ Rynski. With One full-length album to his credit (Immaculate Conception, as part of the group Da Product), countless mix tapes, and numerous contributive efforts for other local artists, Writer's Block could very well be this producer's stepping stone into music greatness. Other contributors on the production side are Marwan Abdullah ("Honorary") and Truth ("Conversation"). The combination of this production team has output what could be a classic album.
With the South leading the charge through the music business' open door and the Midwest following close behind, A.D. is destined to be the next artist to put his foot through the record industry's proverbial door. Evidence and proof being the album Writer's Block: a journey though the gifted mind of hip-hop's new crown prince.
Prepare your mind for a ride through The Block.
** Visit the website (www.writersblockrecords.com) for more info, updates and sound clips of all of AD's songs!
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.writersblockrecords.comTrack List:
1. Quiet On the Set
2. Get Off the Floor
3. Stressin' My Words
4. Who You Really Wit?
5. Honorary
6. Where Y'all At?
7. Conversation
8. Writer's Block
9. Lost in the Storm
10. L.I.T.S. pt. 2
11. Read Between the Lines
12. Too Much
13. Don't Breathe the Air
14. It Can't Be...
15. Anno Domini
16. I Don't Need You
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