ALBUM DESCRIPTION
Born in Hawthorne California, named after the Sioux War Chief, Syntax Records Recording artist RedCloud, delivers a high energy packed hip-hop album. The album takes it's name from the many months RedCloud spends on the road performing. Many of you hip-hop fans will definitely relate to these fiery lyrics. RedCloud lived a tough life getting caught up with gang violence and drugs, until the day he found Christ.
RedCloud brings us his sophomore release in Traveling Circus. Featuring guest spots from Braille of Lightheaded, Kaitlyn Cassels of Sackcloth Fashion, Sherwin Gardner and Chistafari on "Never let you go". The album is produced almost entirely by Syntax head man SirROCDOMZ, except for "Never let you go", produced by Kristian Sharp and Mark Mohr, mixed at Zionic Sounds Dub Lab.
The album begins with a theme oriented introduction to the band and various artists involved with this project. I've never heard anything like this before... interesting. Track two, the title track, is a catchy tune which is descriptive of RedCloud, and sets the stage for what is to come. On track three Kaityln Cassels shares her vocal talents on "My Way", featuring acoustic strings and piano harmonies over life experiences...my favorite track. Track four, "The Coming" has some interesting 'factory-like' percussion the draw you in to a 'spooky' sounding experience... very different. Track five, "8000 RPM's", is another solid authentic hip-hop vibe in true Redcloud style. Track 6, "Bonifide Xtreme", features added vocals by Man of War and Max One. Track 7, "Don't Wear it Out", features some smooth synth sounds, accompanied by thick piano chords and a smooth bassline. Sherwin Gardner and Christafari add some expertise on track 8, "Never Let you go". This track will please those of you whom dig those rootsy sounds with percussion layed out in all the right places. This song definitely helps break up the album. "Battle Star Galactic", track 9, tells the story of the battling emcees. Kaitlyn Cassels blesses us with her beautiful voice on "Chit Chat", track 10. RedCloud shares with us some of his frustration on this track stating... "were tired of your chit chat, wack rappers need to get slapped." We find ourselves questioning the purpose of War on track 11, "War Party." Seems like a good question to ask ourselves these days. "Broken Jaw", track 14, brings us Braille and RedCloud spitting out strongly felt lyrics concerning desperate times and the need to speak the truth to all who are willing to listen. This track reveals RedCloud's convictions and leaves no doubt that this artist is true to his word. The album ends with "Indigenous Angel", track 15, which is trance-like in nature and leads into RedCloud's precise, smooth raps. Overall, a great hip-hop album. Personally, I myself am not much of a hip-hop fan, but after listening to this album a few times, I found myself getting drawn into the blazing lyrics and the hard beats and vibes. Great album to bridge you into the hip-hop scene, with conscious lyrics to revitalize you.
Review By: Roots Dr.
