Search - Kurious :: Constipated Monkey

Spell it with a J, and not with a G

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 02/01/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I finally got the chance to buy my sought-after copy of this album when Amalgram Digital re-released it in 2007. The half-Cuban, half-Puerto Rican, Bronx-raised rapper Kurious released "A Constipated Monkey" in 1994, the year widely considered the best in hip hop history. So much of what was great about rap in '94 is in full effect here. Kurious is the blueprint of a mid-90s East Coast MC. He's neither an oustanding lyricist nor socially relevant, but he is a clever rapper with a commanding delivery and entertaining performance. Given his performance on "A Constipated Monkey," it's surprising that he didn't have a more eventful rap career. He has more than enough funny punchlines, and his Latin flair makes him unique. That said, "A Constipated Monkey" is very much a group effort. Production comes from four parties: The Beatnuts handling the bulk, with Prime Minister Pete Nice & Daddy Rich, the SD50s (aka the Stimulated Dummies), and Bosco Money of Downtown Science each contributing (as well as the Groove Merchantz on a bonus track). This is an outstanding team of producers that provides a focused sound that lives up to their top billing. The beats are lively and appealing, almost every one boasting a potent horn sample, vivrant bass and hard drum kicks. Pete Nice and Bobbito Garcia are credited as two executive producers, and the music captures the essence of East Coast hip hop in 1994. Part of what makes this album so enjoyable is the intangibles. Most tracks feature a guest MC, and many of his Constipated Monkeys crew go uncredited. However, they provide some of the best moments on the album; the French-speaking rapper Lucien on "Top Notch" will surely bring smiles to the listener's face. Other more recognizable guests include MF Grimm, Sadat X of Brand Nubian, Casual of Hieroglyphics, and Psycho Les of the Beatnuts. With top-notch beats, a good MC, and a product that's greater than the sum of its parts, "A Constipated Monkey" is a winner and a highly recommended LP.



The album opens with two looping Beatnuts productions, "Spell It Wit a J (Yes Yes Jorge)" and "Top Notch," both thick with trumpet sampling. Jorge introduces himself as a likable Bronx MC with a little Hispanic flavor. Psycho Les lends a verse to the latter track, as does the aforementioned Lucien. The best track is the ultra-melodic "I'm Kurious." Prime Minister Pete Nice (formerly of 3rd Bass) and Daddy Rich lend a phenomenal beat with excellent sampling, and the recording sounds perfect. Jorge's verses are well-written and thoughtful, and his voice echoes and weaves through the beat wonderfully. The posse-cut anthem "Uptown S..." is great, and "Leave Ya With This" and the upbeat "Fresh Out the Box" also vibe well. The first single, "Walk Like a Duck," is quite memorable, followed by the solid "Tear S... Up," which uses a nice Biz Markie sample, and the MF Grimm collabo "Baby Bust It." "Nikole" is an endearing song about lost love with fun production by Bosco Money, and the unlikely duo of Casual and Kurious provide a classy highlight in "What's the Real." The bouncy "Jorge of the Projects" closes the tracklist. The 2007 re-release contains two bonus tracks. The first is a gem, a Sadat X collaboration called "Mansion and a Yacht," where both rappers bring their humorous best, and the second is a remix of "I'm Kurious."



"A Constipated Monkey" is not a perfect album, nor does it break any new ground, but it stands among some of the better hip hop releases during the landmark year that was 1994. Fans of the Beatnuts, Alkaholiks, D.I.T.C., and like-minded East Coast acts should not hesitate to pick up this re-release. As part of his deal with Amalgram, Kurious not only agreed to re-release his debut, but in the liner notes he promises a new LP in 2008. Until then, pick up "A Constipated Monkey" if you haven't and enjoy one of the more slept-on releases of '94."

On some Uptown Ish!!!!!

D. Thomas | Seattle, WA | 05/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Too bad this LP is out of print; 'cause it's dope. When I first got it... it was a head-nodder. Production from the Beatnuts, V.I.C. and guest spots from none other than MF Grimm and Casual. A solid LP through and through! If you have an opportunity to cop this CD, DO IT!!!"

Spell it with a J, and not with a G

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 02/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The half-Cuban, half-Puerto Rican, Bronx-raised rapper Kurious released "A Constipated Monkey" in 1994, the year widely considered the best in hip hop history. So much of what was great about rap in '94 is in full effect here. Kurious is the blueprint of a mid-90s East Coast MC. He's neither an oustanding lyricist nor socially relevant, but he is a clever rapper with a commanding delivery and entertaining performance. Given his performance on "A Constipated Monkey," it's surprising that he didn't have a more eventful rap career. He has more than enough funny punchlines, and his Latin flair makes him unique. That said, "A Constipated Monkey" is very much a group effort. Production comes from four parties: The Beatnuts handling the bulk, with Prime Minister Pete Nice & Daddy Rich, the SD50s (aka the Stimulated Dummies), and Bosco Money of Downtown Science each contributing. This is an outstanding team of producers that provides a focused sound that lives up to their top billing. The beats are lively and appealing, almost every one boasting a potent horn sample, vivrant bass and hard drum kicks. Pete Nice and Bobbito Garcia are credited as two executive producers, and the music captures the essence of East Coast hip hop in 1994. Part of what makes this album so enjoyable is the intangibles. Most tracks feature a guest MC, and many of his Constipated Monkeys crew go uncredited. However, they provide some of the best moments on the album; the French-speaking rapper Lucien on "Top Notch" will surely bring smiles to the listener's face. Other more recognizable guests include MF Grimm, Casual of Hieroglyphics, and Psycho Les of the Beatnuts. With top-notch beats, a good MC, and a product that's greater than the sum of its parts, "A Constipated Monkey" is a winner and a highly recommended LP.



The album opens with two looping Beatnuts productions, "Spell It Wit a J (Yes Yes Jorge)" and "Top Notch," both thick with trumpet sampling. Jorge introduces himself as a likable Bronx MC with a little Hispanic flavor. Psycho Les lends a verse to the latter track, as does the aforementioned Lucien. The best track is the ultra-melodic "I'm Kurious." Prime Minister Pete Nice (formerly of 3rd Bass) and Daddy Rich lend a phenomenal beat with excellent sampling, and the recording sounds perfect. Jorge's verses are well-written and thoughtful, and his voice echoes and weaves through the beat wonderfully. The posse-cut anthem "Uptown S..." is great, and "Leave Ya With This" and the upbeat "Fresh Out the Box" also vibe well. The first single, "Walk Like a Duck," is quite memorable, followed by the solid "Tear S... Up," which uses a nice Biz Markie sample, and the MF Grimm collabo "Baby Bust It." "Nikole" is an endearing song about lost love with fun production by Bosco Money, and the unlikely duo of Casual and Kurious provide a classy highlight in "What's the Real." The bouncy "Jorge of the Projects" closes the tracklist.



"A Constipated Monkey" is not a perfect album, nor does it break any new ground, but it stands among some of the better hip hop releases during the landmark year that was 1994. Fans of the Beatnuts, Alkaholiks, D.I.T.C., and like-minded East Coast acts should not hesitate to pick up this re-release. Although the original pressing is out of print, I highly recommend the 2007 Amalgram Digital re-release (A Constipated Monkey, which contains two unreleased bonus tracks. As part of his deal with Amalgram, Kurious not only agreed to re-release his debut, but in the liner notes he promises a new LP in 2008. Until then, pick up "A Constipated Monkey" if you haven't and enjoy one of the more slept-on releases of '94."