Rating:
  Review Date: January 2, 2008
  Website: Marvel Website
  Label: Indie

Marvel “No Streets (Just The World)” Album Review
It’s a new year, and for most people it’s a time for new things, new outlooks and new goals. It would be nice to get another year of new and improved hip-hop as well. Simply put, we need to keep raising the bar, and after listening to No Streets (Just The World), Canadian emcee Marvel has no problem doing just that. Though No Streets (Just The World) is a 2007 release, it is the first album to hit my review table for ’08 and it is a pleasant one to start the year with.

I ended my 2007 year on an uplifting note in regards to hip-hop. I had a chance to hit what I call a J Dilla tribute concert here in DC early in December. Though it was really a Stones Throw show introducing various artists such as Percee P, Guilty Simpson and featuring respected producer Madlib, J Dilla’s spirit was present throughout its entirety. This sentiment was also present in much of Marvel’s No Streets. 

Not dubbing the producers of this album as J Dilla wanna-be’s or as protégé’s; much of the sample selection and drum programming reminds me of what Dilla and Madlib would construct for their projects. There are a few tracks that contain the classic funk-filled, jazz layered, hard hitting drum sound of a J Dilla throwback. These elements can be found on the back to back tracks Time of the Signs, Mission One and IT.

In addition, Marvel compliments the production with clever wordplay and minimal dull moments on the album. My favorite track for both the lyrics and production is These The Days. The mellow sample medley and snare selection reminds me of a classic track from A Tribe Called Quest’s Beats, Rhymes and Life. Another song that tickled my fancy is Follow Me Flip with K-OS that reminds me of just about any classic Reflection Eternal Train of Thought track. The bottom-line, if you enjoy innovative beats and rhymes, cop this album.

- ScholarMan

Album Track Listing:

1. Intro
2. No Streets [Prod. Kardinal Offishall]
3. Skankin [Prod. Saukrates]
4. Time of the Signs
5. Mission One f. Arcee [Prod. Moss]
6. IT [Prod. Mr. Attic]
7. Hold On [Prod. Mr. Attic]
8. These the Days
9. Follow Me Flip f/ K-Os
10. Put It On
11. Palm Wine
12. Throw This Ball
13. Red Light District
14. Shituations