Search - Witchdoctor :: Diary of an American Witchdoctor

Mixed bag as Witchdoctor attempts the "Healing Ritual" again

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 11/17/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In 1997, Dungeon Family member Witchdoctor released a brilliant debut album A S.W.A.T. Healin' Ritual that blended the sounds of African spirituals, Atlanta hip hop, and Christian religion into an incredible, focused piece with great performance and production. Witchdoctor used his unmistakable baritone flow, which he often uses to sing as well, to deliver praises to God, tell stories of mystical powers, and spiritual philosophy. This album is one of the most unique and well-executed pieces of hip hop from its period, and it didn't hurt that Organized Noize, one of the best production teams ever, manned the beats.



After his debut, Witchdoctor basically fell off the radar, independently releasing a few albums that had absolutely no circulation. Flash forward ten years, and he is releasing his second proper LP, "The Diary of an American Witchdoctor" through some distribution deal that he inked with the Cartoon Network. This album includes new material and other songs from his independent releases. The sound is very focused, and much of it can be compared to his debut. However, it only takes one listen to determine that it's not on the same level. There's notably much less spirituality, and the mysterious, mystical stories that filled his debut are for the most part absent. He is still an emotional rapper, but many of his verses fall flat. There are some tracks that would fit flawlessly into the tracklist of A S.W.A.T. Healin' Ritual, but for the most part it's not there. The production is nice, a deep, soulful, and mid-tempo funk that remains a constant through the tracks. It's got a relaxing, thoughtful vibe to it that I like. The guests aren't too impressive (the only Dungeon Family guest is a verse by Khujo Goodie), and I don't find much replay value in a lot of it, but overall "The Diary of an American Witchdoctor" is a solid release.



Following a nice intro, the album opens with "Just Like You," a nice, peaceful, and soulful track where Witchdoctor and guest Earleybird rap about struggles and humanity. The decent "Suicide Bomber" precedes "Spell on Them H...," which is excellent musically but average lyrically. "Treasure Chest" showcases the Witchdoctor I love most, the mysterious and spiritual one, praising God over cool, mystical sounding production. "Cream of the Crop" is okay but easily forgettable, and although I was feeling the production on "The Barrel," I wasn't impressed by his guests the Wheeler Boys. I was looking forward to "Dezonly1 Part 2," the supposed sequel to his classic from A S.W.A.T. Healin' Ritual, but it was actually only a one-minute a capella interlude. Khujo Goodie and Mr. Ku guest on "Part of Your Brain," which is a little reminiscent of an older Dungeon Family track, followed by the fun "Best Year." "Semiautomatic" is full of gun-talk, not the type of content that brings out the best in Witchdoctor, and the production is lacking besides, it's perhaps the weakest track. "Oxygen" is an emotional look at the struggles of the industry, and the thumping anger of "Are You Happy There" is also interesting. "Jake Got Ya Body" is bad, "King of the Beasts" is good, and the album closes with the best song, "Mercy." This song is a beautiful, spiritual ode of his love to God, and it gorgeously reflects similar songs from his debut like "Dezonly1."



"The Diary of an American Witchdoctor" isn't on the level of his excellent debut album, and some flaws keep it from being a great release. But Witchdoctor's unique, one-of-a-kind artistry, lyricism, performance, and style make this an album worth buying in many cases. There aren't too many great songs, but the vast majority are good. Those unfamiliar with his past work will find him intriguing and enticing as an MC. Apparently this album has sold very poorly, and I hope others will buy it to show support for a talented veteran rapper. I recommend "The Diary of an American Witchdoctor" to Dungeon Family fans."

Classic album

C. Rodgers | 11/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Heared this album on another site and it is the best. He is apart of the orginal dungeon family click. The best if you like outkast then you will love this. Nice melodies a nice car and chill cd."