Rating:
  Review Date: March 24, 2008
  Website: HMD Website
  Label: PHILAsofikal Records

HMD “One Pursuit” Album Review
Before listeners plunge into HMD’s highly anticipated debut album, “One Pursuit,” they are given an unmistakable warning in the opening track: “We go get these old records … because you can’t copy these on the keyboard … we want those sounds.” Indeed this is one pursuit that HMD accomplishes triumphantly. His album showcases a stunning juxtaposition of instruments rarely rivaled by mainstream producers.

The colorful range of beats on the album makes for a truly interactive listening experience. The opening track, for instance, features an electronica flutter and a unique synthesized loop that swells with the crisp snares. It is bold and vibrant, flowing with that ethereal spirit of optimism epitomized by HMD. But the next track, a frenetic adaptation of a classical violin piece reminiscent of 7L and Esoteric’s Murder-Death-Kill, quickly jolts listeners out of their complacency. While critics may point this out as HMD’s lack of sensibility for blending, it is actually effective in simulating a stream-of-consciousness rap, one close to the heart.

It is difficult to overplay HMD’s ear for sweet melodies. The One is cool and jazzy with an old-school feel, and the mysteriously titled Interlude Beat One features an intricate layering technique in which an electric guitar is accompanied by drums, snares, and cymbals – in that order.

“One Pursuit” features several works with celebrated guest stars like Reef the Lost Cause and Masta Ace, but Catastrofiks steals the show with “No Time.” Rapping over three different beats throughout the track — including a euphoric keyboard loop with a perfectly balanced drum exhibition in the back — the song talks of staying with your vision despite troubles in life.  

HMD, for all his production genius, however, does not make the mistake of sacrificing substance for pizzazz. “One Pursuit” is a lyrical masterpiece that not only shares the artist’s own struggles, but also resonates with that universal theme of discovering a passion and living it. Hitting a string beat with Middle Eastern flavor in full stride, HMD engages listeners in a passionate storytelling:

Heart of a lion, it’s where I’ve been trying to keep my cool/
Teach my little niggas that the money is in the school/
But it’s cool if you travel your own route, I did it/
Do something with your life with mine I chose to spit it/

With steady production of witty one-liners (“Slaughtered the fakest across the coast/ for balling like the Lakers/ campaigned for green like Ralph Nader”) and even flashes of turntablism brilliance, HMD ensures his debut album will be talked about for quite a while.

- Min Lee

Album Track Listing:

1. Old Records
2. Move (feat Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Adam 12, and Reef the Lost Cauze)
3. Such as Myself (feat Baby Blak)
4. The One
5. Imma Make It (feat Wordsworth and Masta Ace)
6. Not a Test (feat Sam Doom)
7. One Pursuit (feat D-Rellz)
8. Interlude Beat 1
9. Mummers Beat Down (feat Adam 12, Reef the Lost Cauze, and D-Rellz)
10. Remember the Name (feat R.A. The Rugged Man)
11. No Time (feat Catastrofiks)
12. Leave ‘Em Devastated
13. Interlude Beat 2
14. On Sight Beef (feat Digs Darklighter)
15. Task N Vic
16. My People (feat Catastrofiks)