Rating:
  Review Date: September 23, 2007
  Website: Core Rhythm Website
  Label: Spitmatix Music

Core Rhythm “Nat Turner Reloaded” Album Review
My parents named me Nathaniel. But as far back as I can remember, everyone has always called me Nat. Now the problem with having the name Nat is that motherfuckers can’t ever seem to pronounce it correctly. No matter how many times I’ve explained that my name is Nat (which rhymes with FAT), people always call me Nate (which rhymes with HATE). And to be honest, I find it disrespectful that cats can’t even remember a simple obvious pronunciation difference.

That experience has always made me think about Nat Turner. Never before in my life have I heard someone refer to Nat Turner as Nate Turner – but I wonder if they ever did. I wonder if maybe ol’ Samuel Turner slave master called him Nate one too many times, and he flipped. I guess after you lead the largest and most distinguished slave revolt in American history, people will remember your name. In his debut album “Nat Turner Reloaded,” NYC emcee Core Rhythm aims to make people remember his own name through a different kind of revolt – a rebellion against the modern day state of hip-hop music.

Nat Turner Reloaded
The production starts with a revolutionary hip-hop feel but uses so many electronic tools that it comes out sounding much more futuristic. Core then injects all kinds of soulful blues and rock samples, horns, keys, electric guitar, and even a bongo or two to demonstrate his ability to meticulously put a beat together using a variety of sources. Top it off with crisp turntablism, and “Nat Turner Reloaded” offers innovative and eye opening hip-hop production.

Lyrically, Core Rhythm has a rhyme style that is very reminiscent of Brother J from the X-Clan – quick-paced baritone vocals with a complex rhyming scheme that uses syllable accentuations to enhance flow and lyrical emphasis. A good example can be found on the second verse of Reloaded:

Been a runaway slave
Since the dog days
Of triangle trade
Paved way by Blues People
“Nat Turner Reloaded” – the slave revolt sequel
Shank morphed to pen, airways form steeple
North star the beacon
Seeking oasis, leapin’
No traces left
Never no rest
For the weary
Scars and metal in-jeer-y
Endured for infinite scores – cycle of fury
Purified authority with themes deemed pristine
Concise in his mission to uprise like Battle of Algiers
Yeah, I shot your Black Hawk Down
Pay back for Rwanda and Mitilineos sound

It’s not quite as toned as Brother J, but it’s getting there. You know how every once and a while you’ll come across a lyricist who is a little rough around the edges but possesses the ability to be exceptional? An emcee that just needs to clean it up a little – perfect his craft? That’s where Core Rhythm is on this album – and it definitely makes me look forward to what we can expect from the next.

But what really impressed me about Core’s lyrics was his ability to offer verses that were both socially and politically relevant at the same time. The following verse from The Road allowed Core gives a good example of this sociopolitical lyricism:

Life is searching for answers and looking for them reasons
Why do we exist and yo what be the greater meaning
Dreaming that one day we’ll get it even-Steven
Debt will be paid by those slayed by demons
Grieving ‘cause freedom fighters seem like dying breed n’
Bleeding my heart and with this art I’m seeing
Achieving’s believing that freedom of Plebeians
Will happen contradicting back to ease my seething
Focus on my breathing when Mishima I’m reading
Sun meets steel in a balance that is breeding

Overall, Core Rhythm shows great promise as both beat maker and emcee. I’ve heard that he has something new dropping in ’08, so I’d definitely recommend keeping your eyes open for it. Better yet – pick up a copy of Core Rhythm’s “Nat Turner Reloaded” to get prepared. And stop calling me Nate you forgetful motherfuckers! Peace.

Album Track Listing:

1. For Blues People…
2. Freedom Song
3. New Rome
4. Reloaded
5. Slanguage
6. Live From Baghdad feat. Wells Knotty
7. Earth Blues
8. Oxygen feat. Wells Knotty and Grandmixer DXT
9. Atomic Weight feat. Wells Knotty
10. Ebony Eyes feat. Creature
11. Mutiny
12. The Road feat. Baba Israel and Farbeon
13. Rize