Search - Living Legends :: Creative Differences

Eclectively Solid

DukeOfEarl | Phoenix, AZ United States | 02/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, the first time through this album left a bad taste in my mouth. This was the first and only Living Legends album that I've got from them or any of their individual members. The more I listened to "Creative Differences" though, the stars just kept shooting up on my rating scale. The great thing about this album is that there are many different styles to choose from that should appeal to fans of all different types of Rap.

Living Legends are underground, but they concoct many songs here I would not be mad at hearing in a club or at a party. Don't fret! They got some surefire underground/conscious Hiphop hits like "Days Go By," "Damn It Feels Good," "Hold Your Own," and "Aspirations," which are introspective and provoke thought. The last two are probably my favorites off the album. Each of the eight members get their own solo here, and I think the best ones out of these were The Grouch's "No Strings Attached" and Eligh's "Friends Are Calling." Odd that those two happen to be the only non-African-Americans out of the group. Sunspot (Jonz) cooks up a rock-solid party hit with "It Might Be You," which I listen to often and it has a cool beat.

"Creative Differences" starts out with the 6-minute title track which is the only song with all eight members involved. This one is loose, funky, and comical. Next is the lighthearted "Fill My Drink Up," which is not terrible, but it is forgettable. "Addicted" is actually very good. It uses A LOT of dark humor, and is memorable just because many artists are afraid to touch upon the topic(see for yourself). Scarub's "Time To Ride" is next and showcases his wacky wordplay, although it doesn't do him much justice. This one should grow on you though. Elsewhere, Bicasso controlls the solid "Get It In Your Soul," and Murs's solo is the underwhelming "Real Slow The Fast Way," which has some good moments, but a lame chorus and an eyesore of a third verse(I need not repeat it). The only song I'm not feeling at all was "How You Take It," mostly because 2/3 of it is in a different language by Arata, while Scarub raps(in English) for the rest of it. However, how many artists do you see out there including a track in a foreign language? At least it was different.

This album turned out to be good because it's like a grab bag for fans of all different tastes. I bought this album having known a little of Scarub, and while he holds it down, the member who caught my ear was Eligh. Eligh participated in three of the four strongest songs on this album, as well as dropping a memorable solo track. He displays a quick rhyming technique at times, and constantly has insightful and witty lyrics. Yes, some of the tracks may sound rather mainstream-ish, but I think they wore the hat well and weren't trying to sell out. They just want to rock the party as well as stimulate the minds, that's all. The beats were all done by a variety of the members, and they range from fresh to unnoticeable. If you see "Creative Differences" in the stores, it may very well be worth your money to see what's it's all about!"

Give It A Chance....

PlayNate22 | 08/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Most agree, this album WILL grow on you. I got this CD, listened to it for about 10 minutes, and didn't touch it for a week. It just has a different feel to it than past LL productions. You really need an open mind to appreciate this album. It wouldn't hurt to be an LL fan in the first place. After listening to it a couple times through, you'll discover some tracks that appeal to you that didn't catch your attention at first. Check it out."

The title explains it all

perplex | Somewhere, Virginia | 04/14/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As the title states, "Creative Differences," so too this album highlights just that: the creative differences between the now "almost famous" living legends crew. Although i would not rank it their best collaberative effort, i would make it a must buy for any underground hip hop follower. Although the lyrical solidarity is missing on this album, and they reach for a few easily recognizable tracks like "fill your drink up," Living Legends remains one of the best out there. It is all about the progression to recognition which they rightly deserve. If you prefer raw unadulterated tracks check their UHBV album or some of their older stuff, but buy this nonetheless. It remains a shining example of where hip hop should go and it is a credit to the lyrical variety that Living Legends has always been known for. Also check any of the legends solo albums, especially the new Grouch & Eligh "No More Greener Grasses," or Murs "3:16" released on the infamous Def Jux label."