This time around, it's all about the vocalists, with The Community’s finest songwriters, emcees, and singers taking the mic to show the world that beats driven music is about more than making people dance in clubs.
It is, of course, about that too.
It's evident from the outset that Community Words is not your average hiphop compilation. Diger Rokwell and Felicity Groom kick things off with "Inflatable Afterlife" - an ambient instrumental, with rhythms that nod to Diger's "Beat Tourism" series, serving as the perfect backdrop for Groom's ethereal vocals. Things stay chilled for a while, with Apt (featuring FG), and DJ Silence (featuring Mathas and Thorts) providing tracks that'll float through your ears at first listen, before you find them firmly intrenched in your mind, as you ponder on every word. The Empty Cup, Wisdom 2th, ASAP and Marksman follow on, continuing to prove that there's still so much room for rap music to stretch out and take on new forms - this is traditional hiphop, in a sense, but it gently nudges the listener into actually engaging with the performer.
Naturally, the diversity doesn't stop there. Lewis Galaga's "New Suits" is a powerful reflection on relationships and the continual change that is Life. Mei Saraswati comes through with a raw meditative perspective on the "Power in your Soul," while Diger Rokwell returns alongside vocal powerhouse Rae - kicking off a run of hyper-active tracks destined for regular rotation in your speakers. Able teams up with the UK's verbally dextrous rappers Point and Hypeman Sage for the fittingly titled "I'm Mad." DOS4GW and Mathas unite to create "Charm" - Mathas effortlessly rhyming over a delirious, pounding, synth riddled rhythm.
Suddenly "Strange Love" swoops in, providing some respite, as YLEM's intricately crafted triphop instrumental perfectly compliments the hypnotic vocals of Rachel Dease. DJ Silence (featuring Marksman) and triple M.U.M then bring it back to the sample based beats and progressive lyrics that make this compilation such a unique and rewarding listen, while DVS does the same, but with a hook that'll stick with you for days after hearing it. We finish with "Tin Tags" a moving tale of a solider's return from war courtesy of FG, which ultimately becomes something we can all relate to, soldier or not.
Community Words is a journey, showcasing the diversity of talent within The Community itself, and the community at large.
A blistering new offering from Sacramento MC Mahtie Bush with beats that knock hard and bars that match that toughness. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 10, 2023