S.E.L.F. of Lotus Tribe - The Art & War of Misanthropic Philanthropy
Rating: 
Review Date: July 31, 2007
Website: Lotus Tribe Website
Label: Lotus Tribe
S.E.L.F. “The Art & War of Misanthropic Philanthropy” Album Review
It wasn’t until recently that I realized I feel more at peace listening to songs made famous during the time when I was in high school. The early to mid-90s to be exact; it’s just something about the hip-hop then that inserted a heavy anchor into my heart that will forever be embedded. But there are many new artists who are growing on me; many who might fit the mold overtime as well. S.E.L.F. could possibly be one of these groups.
What makes a person spiritually strong is the foundation to which their soul relies. In regards to hip-hop, the foundation of the culture itself goes back as far as 1977-78 for some; others argue that hip-hop started with James Brown. Whatever the case; for me, I started listening to hip-hop in the late eighties and fell in love with hip-hop in the early nineties. On The Art & War of Misanthropic Philanthropy, S.E.L.F. takes me back to this sweet time of my life with some of his tracks.
With a sound reminiscent of Digable Planets, S.E.L.F. delivers a quality product full of intelligent lyrics, unique rhymes structures and melodic jazz-filled beats. Most of the album is at a tempo consistent with a slow head nod, but the production fits their styles perfectly. One thing that can kill an artist’s album is choosing beats that really don’t flow with the artist’s style; this is not the case on The Art & War of Misanthropic Philanthropy. I highly recommend this album for those looking for something different but at the same time good to add to their rotation.
- ScholarMan
Album Track Listing:
- Closure
- Primitive Feedback
- El Fin
- Trapped
- Profits
- Change
- Lost
- Born
- Aether
- Sky High
- Brevity
- War Child
- Misanthropic Philanthropy
- Human Condition
Danielle wrote:
A great review of the soundtrack for real revolution. I stumbled upon S.E.L.F. searching for protest songs on Itunes and have never been the same since.
I have been thoroughly influenced in my activism by the song Misanthropic Philanthropy. This young men expose the dark vision of our reality while pulling the light from behind their back.
I too grew up with conscious 90s hip hop and S.E.L.F. featuring Lotus Tribe is just what hip hop needs to serve the youth of this country in a positive way pushing change instead of consumption.
“Misanthropic Philanthropy” is the soundtrack for artivist just as “Imagine” was to the hippies.
Thanks for reviewing this great group and spreading the word and their impact.
Be well and enjoy the day.
Posted on 31-Jul-07 at 2:35 pm | Permalink