"The fact that there's such strong UK artists such as Ty on the same album as excellent US ones like Red Cloud, is slightly rare, but excellent in a way that it's bridging the gap between the nations hip hop cultures, and on another level that is simply... it sounds good!It doesn't matter where you're from it's whether the music is good.The Nextmen have been critisised for having so many tracks with American artists on, but that's stupid simply because it's not about where you're from! Something else I'd like to point out is that any British rapper would probably love to be featured on a quality American album.Dismissing the issue of nationality, this album is excellent! This album is further proof that the UK is highly capable of producing professional and musically good beats. This album is helping Britain up to the level of quality the American market expects... and the MCing is equally impressive!This album doesn't just bring the UK up to the same level as the US, it's inarguably better than ALOT of American albums out there. Although theres still some work to go to break through to the American hip hop market.This album could be considered a bit 'normal', in that it's nothing special... nothing new, or original. But I don't care about it's originality or anything like that, I just want to listen to some good jazzy funky professional rap music, and by listening to this album, that's exactly what I'm getting!"
A Hip Hop Masterpiece
musicfan33 | Boston, MA | 06/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Amongst the Madness is probably one of the best rap albums you've never heard of. I actually came across the Nextmen's music by way of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 (video game). The title track of this album is on the game's soundtrack, & it got me hooked, so I took a chance & got the CD. I gotta say, I wasn't dissapointed. It's got a real good mix of solid mc's that aren't necessarily tryin to be hardcore, for a change, to go along with some absolutely incredible old skool scratchin, samplin, & beats. To me, this album is a perfect example of what hip hop can & should be...."
British Invasion of this Hip Hop Nation
musicfan33 | 08/08/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is for the real heads who are sick of thug rap. The beats are extremely up beat and funky and the emceeing is strong. The emceeing lacked a little originality but overall, it was good."
Production dope but too similar...
wangalb@hotmail.com | 10/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Nextmen are dope producer no doubt and they sound rather jazzy. It is a throwback to Pete rock and early Primo with lots of complexity. Although there is not a lot of complexity and no bad tracks, the similar sounds of keyboard and piano samples makes this sound a little bit repetitious.Grap Luva is the dopest MC no doubt on the CD. Although the other MC's aren't as memorable I will admit that Buck Foolish is the highlight. I recommend getting this CD as an example that the British, like the Creators, are great producers. Oh, the amount of scratching and cutting is unbelievable! That I love too much..."