Watts happening, Ohmega?
ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 03/05/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In 2005, Ohmega Watts turned heads in hip hop's underground with his debut The Find, an impressive release of slick rhymes and beats that drew comparisons to Pete Rock. However, his follow-up "Watts Happening" didn't garner the same buzz, which is too bad because most missed out on one of the best indie releases of 2007. Something I really like about this sophomore release is that Ohmega is not bound by the rap designation; some of the best tracks feature no rapping at all, instead venturing into the genres of soul, blues, and jazz. And although he uses an MPC to create his beats, he is not bound by the machine's limitations either; he frequently incorporates live instrumentation to ensure his arrangements aren't monotonous. He makes the kind of appealing, low-key beats that aren't necessarily show-stoppers, but create a great mood that makes them so much fun to listen to. His horn-heavy, lite-bass sound may seem a bit familiar to some underground fans, but his unique artistry and talent set him apart from the other nostalgic MPC-toting producers in today's underground scene.
Ohmega is also impressive on the mic, a likable character who's goodnatured, deep, and often poetic. He advocates social change and tackles relevant topics, also talking about love and music itself. His laidback delivery and content fit his production well, and as a literate and educated MC he can be quite thought-provoking. He employs a long list of guests, most of whom are very good and had me checking for their own material. Lightheaded, Theory Hazit, Jneiro Jalel, and Shape of Broad Minds are deft MCs who also benefit from Ohmega's production. The whole album just has a great feel to it, it's the type you can just let spin from start to finish because it's got that vibe.
After the energetic opener "What's It Worth," newcomers Theory Hazit guest on "Triple Double," which sounds great, boasting a slippery synth and muted horns. On "No Delay," Ohmega and Surreal of Sound Providers trade off rhymes promoting communal responsibility. "Model Citizen" is an early highlight, a wonderful arrangment with perhaps Ohmega's finest performance ("What if you could just be a kid again and waste a day / Never worry 'bout life or tooth decay, day after day thinkin' 'bout bills to pay"). The thoughtful love song "Few & Far Between" and collabo "Eyes & Ears" both have creative beats, and after the decent "Roc the Bells" the album enters its most experimental stretch. Tita Lima contributes a mournful, airy performance to the eerie jazz vocal "Adaptacao," and Ohmega ventures into Latin territory on the rich instrumental "Saywhayusay." Sugarpie Desanto makes "Are You Satisfied" an old-time blues track, and Watts shouts out family on "Dedication." He takes a look back with Genahral Victor on "Memory Lane" and speaks of religious awakening on "Found," which is good because it's spiritual without being preachy. The upbeat soul of "Work for Wealth" is strong, the live instrumental arrangement "The Platypus Strut" is incredible, anchored by a bari and tenor sax, guitar, and flute. A short instrumental and the very poetic, thoughtful, and personal "Gone With the Wind" close the tracklist.
The package also includes an instrumental disc. I enjoyed it because it helped me to appreciate the complexity of Ohmega's beats. Many intricacies of his craft can get lost in recording, so I find this instrumental disc to be nice mood music.
It might be a cliche to say, but there really is so much great music in the obscure underground right now that most rap fans never hear. Ohmega Watts and his affiliates are one of countless camps who put out an awesome product to little praise. Ohmega's music is tasteful and artistic, and therefore will not appeal to all rap fans, but I highly recommend it to fans of the hip hop alternative scene. Overall it's a very enjoyable and complete LP from all aspects."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1