Search - Lord Finesse :: Awakening

Less Impressed than I expected to be

Adam P Boots | Valley Village, CA United States | 04/07/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I like Lord Finesse, but I have come to find that he's much better in a setting where he's part of a group, or rapping with others. Given that I've said this, it's not surprising that my favorite tracks on this CD include guest spots by KRS-one and an O.C. track.(The CD is more realisitically an Ep, it's got 16 tracks and 8 interludes in those 16 tracks {sort of 7, the O.C. Interlude is a rap).Finesse DOES have a good sense of humor, which does make the album a bit better, but also almost deteriorates from the rhymes too... Every line is a punchline, so it almost makes the songs all be a bit choppy. If I were paying Out Of Print and Rare prices on a hip hop CD, I'd definitely be looking to the DITC, I just think I'd probably be leaning more towards O.C.'s "Word... Life," Show And A.G.'S "Good Fellas" or Show and A.G.'s "Runaway Slave" before this (maybe even the DITC group album too)... "The Awakening" is good, DAMN good, but... Probably not worth it as much to me as the other albums mentioned..."

Too many skits, too many guests

11/10/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"16 tracks and only 9 actual songs. I was a bit disappointed by this album. There are mad guest appearances, which at least I find kinda annoying. Don't get me wrong, the guests are good, but Finesse should have made more solo-songs. The (few) solo-joints on the album are kinda weak (for being Lord Finesse).However, The Awakening has it's moments. The ill duet with KRS-One ("No Gimmicks") and the DITC-cut "Speak Ya Peace" are blazing. The bonus track with Large Professor, Sadat X and Grand Puba is also great. "Brainstorm/PSK" with KRS and O.C. is also fine.Still, the large amount of skits and the lack of nice solo-material from Finesse make the album kinda disappointing. The Awakening could've have been much better.I heard Lord Finesse is currently in the studio recording a new album. I can't wait!"

Classic...really beautiful hip hop

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 08/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Throughout his career, Lord Finesse has been one of hip hop's strongest artists, producing great tracks for countless great artists and more than holding it down on the mic. "The Awakening" is the true gem of his career though. This album, originally released in 1995 and long out of print, showcases just how great he really was. This is an archetypical Diggin' in the Crates release, with guest appearances from many DITC members and the signature DITC sound that Finesse pioneered. The beats are full of deep funky bass, jazz sampling, great vocals, and a certain vibesy sound that no one else could ever manage to duplicate. Finesse's lyricism here is quite entertaining, he establishes himself as a master of punchlines. I could sit for a long time laughing at all the funny punchlines on "The Awakening", he does a great job. I like the length of this release too, it has 16 tracks but half are short skits with MCs giving props to Finesse. Even the skits are quite enjoyable though, because they always have such dope beats. "The Awakening" is a forgotten gem and a truly great hip hop album.



After the intro, the first track is "Time to Bounce". It has an awesome beat, there's great bass, awesome vibes and drums, it always makes my head bob. "True and Livin'" is a slow rollin', chilled out song, great verses from the Lord and excellent production. O.C. drops a verse on his "O Lord" skit, which is followed by the excellent collaboration "Brainstorm/P.S.K. (No Gimmicks Remix)". My favorite song is the MC Lyte collaboration "Gameplan". Finesse tries to land Lyte's female character in this song, but the production is beautiful, such great instrumentals there and I really like the chorus. Akinyele shows his crazy style once again on his appearance in "Flip da Style", and Showbiz produces "Speak Ya Peace" in his guest spot. "Hip 2 Da Game" is one of the best here, great beat and punchlines from Finesse ("I see more skins than the average dermatologist!"). "No Gimmicks" is an awesome posse cut, and the bonus track is also great.



"The Awakening" is an amazingly consistent, expertly produced and impeccably executed album. Finesse does an awesome job, and the guest spots are perfectly selected, it's like a who's who of the 1995 New York scene. While $50+ is a very steep price for any album, I'm sure it is available for sale and download for much less. I recommend this one to all hip hop fans."