Search - Brand Nubian :: Fire in the Hole

Almost a dissapointment... but ends up satisfying

DukeOfEarl | Phoenix, AZ United States | 08/15/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have been listening to and buying dozens of the hip-hop "classics" over the last couple of years, and I heard that Brand Nubian was coming out with a new album about a month before it would drop. I was not yet familiar with them, but I had heard comparisons to Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul and I bought Nubian's "One For All" to gear up for this release. It took a few listens, but eventually I embraced that album and was looking forward to this one.

These were my feelings after I heard the first four songs on "Fire In The Hole": The three of them had been listening to too much commercial hip-pop over the last six years; drugs, sex, anger, thug-life and other tempting evils had finally gotten to them; drugs can ruin great minds (just assuming, they look high in the photo on the inside cover); they know that this isn't going to sell to the masses so why do they have to follow today's ever-changing rap trends; and what happened to their Islam morals and priciples? I was definitely worried for what I was in for, and I took a little time in between before I started the cd up at track 5.

This is where I started to have a change of heart. "Still Livin' In The Ghetto" is a strong joint and tracks 4-8 are the shining moment in this album. The last two are solid as well. I began to understand their angle and listening through tracks 1-4 again was tolerable after this realization. "Young Son" is a strong effort, and "Just Don't Learn" became my favorite track, with an mind-boggling great third verse.

It was just hard to stomach at first because of the strong swearing and dark imagery that they offer. They definitely have changed over the last 14 years. You don't get any 5% Islam rhetoric but many of the songs contain an uplifting or valuable message, just in a darker way than "One For All." I almost wonder if they had to follow some record label agenda, and still some positive and spiritual themes manifest throughout the album.

"Fire In The Hole" will not go down as a classic, but I recommend it highly over the Jadakiss', the D12's, the Nellys, the Kanye Wests, or whoever the hell is "hot" right now (I don't follow that anymore). It might sound similar to the commerical stuff at first, but at the end of the day it offers much more and leaves an impression."

Brand Nubian- Fire In The Hole

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 08/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Brand Nubian have released there latest album called "Fire In The Hole" (2004). The trio of Grand Puba, Sadat X, Lord Jamar provide a short enjoyable twelve track album. DJ Alamo and Lord Jamar provide production while guest appearances come from Starr and Aisha Mika.



The album opens with the solid lead single "Who Wanna Be A Star?" (It's Brand Nu Baby!). Next comes "Young Son", a track where Brand Nubian lay down some real life lessons for the boys who need to become men. First track I am really feeling is "Where Are You Now?" feat. Starr, like the beat, first class chorus and concept to this track . Brand Nubian excell on the fastpaced "Just Don't Learn", and then reunite with Starr for another standout cut "Still Living In The Ghetto", a track where Brand Nubian talk about peoples poverty and struggle to make it in the ghetto while asking when will things change. Brand Nubian then get sentimental on "Momma" a nice tribute to the women who brought them up. Not really feeling the experimental "Got A Knot". One of my favourite tracks on this album is "Coming Years", Brand talks about being grounded while advocating improving ones life, escaping the game and overcoming obstacles. "Whatever Happened...?" is about time passing and what happens to some people, jail, pregancy and fall outs. I like Brand Nubian's use of oldschool sampling like on the love based reunion track "Always Mine". One of my favourite oldschool songs is the original "Ooh Child" by the Five Stairsteps, BN brings it back with Aisha Mika, an inspirational track about working hard and making it. Loving this remake as its one of those positive tracks with alot of meaning behind it. Brand Nubian closes there album off strong with "Soldier's Story", first paying tribute to famous Black leaders and Rap artists who died to early, then dropping a hardcore story of war and death.



This is an album which will most likely be slept on by the masses. Brand Nubian is not in the spotlight these days, but they continue to create substantial music fourteen years after there debut album. I like the beats, sampling and positive/relevant lyrics found throughout "Fire In The Hole". I think Brand Nubian fans will be happy with this release and I recommend this to people who are looking for music with a message behind it."

Quality Hip Hop

True Father | Gilbert, AZ | 08/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"as only you would expect from some masters of the game that are true pioneers. So many jewels dropped for the younger generation as well as a sweet ode to all the mothers of the world doing their job on the trak Mama. Much love to the god body mcs, recommended for the hip hop purists who love that music that touches your soul and feeds your head, aint that what music's supposed to do?"