“Who is Angle, and does he have skills? Angle is an independent artist producing some of the best hip hop music fans have yet to hear, or recognize. In an underground world of Celph Titled’s, Apathy’s, Mars Ill, and so forth, sometimes artists like Angle go unheard at lengths until fans catch on. Previously featured on our brand new hot release, Aberfoyle Springs, and dating further back, Tack Fu’s classic, Chained Reaction, Angle has definitely proven to be exceptionally talented. “Not Quite 90 In The Head” is Angles first official solo release, and with an array of guests that continually dazzle fans, Angle really isn’t all alone in this fan appeasing jewel.”
Before we get deep into the music, lets talk about the fact that Angles track on Tack Fu’s Chained Reaction is the 2nd most appreciated, only second to Braille, who is an urban hip hop legend not easily matched. Angles appearance on the Aberfoyle Springs Compilation is mind blowing, with a stellar contribution by Tack Fu who’s smooth on the production. On “Not Quite 90 In The Head” Angle is backed by heavy weight Tack Fu, along side of Jethro ( exceptionally talented / The Committee ), and No One who together stun, daze, and dazzle fans, providing the best production on the album. Furthermore, on the record, Tack Fu is one of the best, most talented hip hop producers of all time and his talent truly shines through on this album.
Now lets get into the music on the production side of the tracks. All of the songs served up with Tack Fu are of exceptional quality in regards to production. Tack Fu fail’s to disappoint fans providing a constant chain of creative, well pieced together, crowd moving gems. Tack Fu really shines his skills on the introduction, Catharsis, and Ode to Bass. Normally, its frowned upon when introductions, and outro’s are included on albums as they interfere with the flow of the tracks, and unless done perfectly, fans simply class them as filler material. The Introduction on this album was perfectly woven together by Tack Fu, and mixed equally as tight by Jethro. Catharsis is the most appreciated track on the album, so Tack get’s extra credit for the contribution. No One serves up some incredible production as well, mostly shining on “Can You?”, and “Channel Nine”. There is also a sound unity among all of the producers leaving no beat sticking out like a sore thumb.
Strong points on this album include the fact that everyone gets credit in the album cover for their contributions ( even J-8 on the bass in Catharsis, and Vanessa for her vocal contribution in Ode To Bass ), Angles constantly strong microphone dynamics, and the powerful backing of the talented production squad. The album is professional in sound quality, presentation, and packaging. Fans are buying a independent release, receiving top notch quality. The album is 17 tracks long, and made in Canada because its cheaper.
Weak points are few and far in-between; however, there are a few pitfalls that plague this fine hip hop release. For starters, “Butt Heads”, a rebuttal track, fails to live up to the quality of the other songs featured on the album. It might just be opinion, but rebuttal / personal diss tracks have no place on albums. For radio, for promo, as singles, but not on a full length release. This album also features an interlude at track 14 which fails to serve up any musical quality, breaking up the flow of the album. Plus, this interlude is long which hinders replay’s, as fans feel an urge to hit skip.
Guest artists on the vocals include Animosity, Leilani, GaiDen, No One, Felix, Da Funda Tat, and Vanessa. All vocal performers contribute positively to the album. Vanessa has a spectacular voice that’s definitely felt, and Animosity delivers raw intensity with every flip of the tongue, and spit of the rhymes.
Most Appreciated Cuts: Catharsis & Ode To Bass
Least Appreciate Cuts: Monster Interlude & Butt Heads
Angle is a very talented lyricists who serves fans with creative, clever, well articulated rhymes. Not Quite 90 In The Head is a tight album delivering fans an assortment of appeasing hip hop gems that are far from being pillows. Fans should tune into this fine hip hop release, and recognize.
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. R.I.P.M.C.
3. Record Store Love, Part 1 feat. Animosity, Leilani
4. Coming Correct feat. GaiDen & No One
5. Traveling Song feat. Felix & GaiDen
6. Catharsis
7. Channel Nine feat. Animosity
8. Computer Hate
9. Can You? feat. Animosity
10. Record Store Love, Part II feat. Animosity, Leilani
11. Segue
12. 7 Digit Manner feat. Felix
13. Ode To Bass feat. Vanessa
14. Monster Interlude
15. Dry Dream feat. Da Funda Tat
16. Femme Fatale
17. Butt Heads
