Hip Hop band Last Cabal, consisting of Darryl Watson (emcee), leans into a smooth, methodical flow that becomes his modus operandi for the duration of his new album Vol. 1, while Mark Thomas (sax) and Mike Burell (guitar) deliver some of their most precise and soulful production here. They keep the music entertaining, needing no reasons to switch up the successful formula they create. It seems that there is always a hard line, featured verse, or intriguing production choice to jar the listener right back into the album.
Darryl Watson calmly raps over every beat with the measured indifference of a hardened veteran rapper. While his delivery is by no means boring, the inclusions and pacing of these features ensure that the album never lulls into monotony. It becomes a perfect showcase of how a project can engage the listener without getting lost in the stellar production.
By far the most favorite record on this album is “Maximum”. Here, any other emcee might have done too much, or too little over such gorgeously simple production, but Darryl Watson is not any other rapper. His tact in delicately establishing a catchy hook makes it all the more hard hitting, and the verses damn aggressive. Songs like “Runnin” and “Believe” are also cold and crushing, much sounding like they could survive in the very place that is subject to their rhymes.
Through more soulful beats like “Back to the Basics” and “Every Day is Sunday”, Last Cabal are able to perfectly blend various styles together to create a moody atmosphere. This stylistic base allows them to stretch their talents and try different sounds. If you need some laid back music with more boom-bap and a 90s chill vibe for a Sunday afternoon, then “MHC” and “ILL Minds” would make your day. While some of the more autotuned parts on “All Night” might not please everyone, it’s sure is the best Darryl Watson does on this album.
As every tool or discipline, there are those who effortlessly nail the essence of their art and others who could try for many years without ever coming up with a satisfying result. Last Cabal show that is Hip Hop alive and well, and it’s here to live forever in our hearts and minds, even though personal preferences shall guide listeners toward different paths. If what you are looking for is a bombastic modern rap album with some pristine old school quality production, then jump into this and you shall be pleased with a compact and stylishly produced album.
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