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  Release Date: November, 2006
  Website: Paradox Website
  Label: Voicebox Records

Paradox “Hiatus” Album Review
It seems to me that a large portion of mainstream society has little respect of or appreciation for the art of rhyme. And with good reason. A lot of mainstream hip-hop demonstrates elementary rhyme techniques and lyrical schemes. In the underground, however, you often find more talented MCs who possess the ability to skillfully manipulate beats with intelligent, quick-witted and difficultly precise flows. Paradox is one such MC.  

Using a combination of sarcastically staccato flow and hard-hitting intensely annunciated lyrics, Paradox boasts the ability of a truly talented rapper and poet. His production is uniquely eclectic and often classically influenced, with myriad instrumental sounds and a productive creativity seldom seen outside of high-quality underground hip-hop. And his flow is about as fast as you can get while maintaining a comprehensive direction and understanding. Within just a couple tracks, I could easily notice that this kid has some lyrical skill.

A paradox is defined as a true statement that often leads to a contradiction or situation which defies intuition. In essence, a paradox is something that recognizes some kind of unstated assumption underlying a accepted truth. Using this definition and a modern day understanding of popular hip-hop music, the name Paradox fits this MC perfectly. If only the mainstream would hear talented MCs like Paradox, their appreciation for the art of rhyme would undoubtedly increase.

The cover of Paradox’s “Hiatus” includes drawings of mangroves, tropical trees with inpenetratable prop roots that play an important role in development purposes and land building, as well a wildlife habitats. In cases where mangroves have been removed, the coastline is subject to rapid erosion, and the wildlife is victim to strong winds and waves. I think this is representative of hip-hop, a culture that stands victim to criticism and negativity if its underground roots are removed.

Paradox is an MC that represents the mangrove-esque roots of hip-hop, an example of an MC that is a paradox to those who view mainstream hip-hop as the real thing. If that’s something you can appreciate, I highly recommend checking out his album.

Album Track Listing:

1. Paydirt
2. Drop the Drums
3. From 49 to 50
4. Moonboots
5. Oasis
6. BZC Scenery
7. It Goes
8. Insomnambulist
9. Guerilla Funk
10. Sketches of Belize
11. If …
12. Bastard
13. In Check
14. Sphere
15. Peace
16. Love Letter