“An entertainment conglomerate that features a majority of artists from the Washington State area, Access One Network Northwest, has put together a good, full length album that features very diverse pool of talent. Most of the artists featured on this compilation are talented; however, in regards to a lot of the elements behind this album, there is an awkward feel, and a huge genre gap. Fans who appreciate a variety of good, intense, diverse music will hail this compilation as a prized gem; whereas, most straight hip hop fans will say; “What was that?”.”
This album is plagued by its own unique design, which is the one element that makes this album special. Featuring tracks that resemble folk songs, to disco songs, to hardcore trip-hop, to R&B this album has it all, but, the diverse gap in genres will easily turn off, and tune out listeners who are pure hip hop fans. Other lower points include the sub par, dull intro, and the mediocre vocal performances on some of the tracks. It’s almost as if the emcee’s on certain tracks seam not to care about putting heart or emotion into their music. For lack of better words, its as if they are not hungry??
A continuation of another compilation, “Operation 206”, this album features groups / artists such as 495, ill Circle, Robin Eye, Hi-No-Tori, and more. The artists names are hidden, tucked away inside the album cover, and not even listed on the back of the album. Some friendly advice, if your going to release a compilation, list the artists beside the track titles on the back of the album jacket. The best track featured on this album is “Cookie No Nichi Yo-Bi”. It’s not even a hip hop track; however, it features a unique sound, and the artist seams to be passionate about what she’s singing about. Her vocals are intense, and in tune with the well produced beat. She sings in Japanese; therefore, some fans will have a hard time understanding her, but sometimes the best music, is the music that you least understand. The second best track featured on this album is “Attracted By The Light” which features a “folk song” type aura, and again, this really isn’t a hip hop track; however, the artist is passionately singing his music, seaming comfortable in his artistry. The more one listens to this album, the clearer it becomes that this album isn’t a hip hop album. It’s a very diverse album featuring a wide range of talent, assembled for the listener who likes everything.
The least appreciated tracks featured on this album are “The End”, “Power Moves”, “Rap And Roll”, and “WA State All-Stars 1.1”. The artists featured in these tracks show talent, and do have potential; however, they fail to harness their abilities enough to makes these tracks hold the listeners true attention. Some of the lyrical content is very violent, and suggestive, for example, “Power Moves” features reference to ho’s, and drugs.
For the most part the beats on this album are explosive, and if the vocal performances paralleled the beat contributions this album would be explosive as a whole. Instead, the quality of the album seams to be held down by emotionless artists, who are not confident in their music.
Overall the artists featured on this project show talent, and have potential. The November 12 Projekt is a good assortment of music the “variety” listener will enjoy. Hip Hop listeners will be drowned out by the diverse gap in genres featured on this album. Most hip hop fans wouldn’t hold interest in a folk tune, or a disco, or trip-hop, electric hip hop vibe. The album shows room for improvement; however, it was professionally put together, packaged, and promoted, most likely to help the artists featured on the album gain more exposure, promotion, play, and press; therefore, should this album even receive a critic? It’s hard enough to put together a good compilation with local artists, let alone, a good local compilation featuring independent artists who may or may not be starting out their careers. If this compilation project was put together solely as a tool to help these artists get noticed, then, this album should be appreciated, because it’s a great effort.
