Artist: Camp Lo Album: Black Hollywood

Year: 2007
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Camp Lo's Black Hollywood

Hip hop is a genre that has been around for over four decades, and it has gone through many iterations and transformations. What started as a subculture in the Bronx has now become a global phenomenon. One artist that has consistently pushed the boundaries of hip hop is Camp Lo. The duo from the Bronx has been making music since the mid-90s and has left an indelible mark on the genre. In this post, I'll be taking a deep dive into their 2013 album Black Hollywood, looking at its brief history, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and my own personal take on the album.

Camp Lo's Black Hollywood was released on July 30, 2013, and it came six years after their last album Stone & Rob: Caught On Tape. The album is a collaborative effort between Camp Lo and Ski Beatz. Ski Beatz is a producer from North Carolina, and he has worked with notable artists such as Jay-Z and Mos Def. The album has 13 tracks, and it features guest appearances from the likes of Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, and Trife.

When it comes to the music genre of Black Hollywood, it can be described as a fusion of jazz, funk, and hip hop. This is consistent with the sound that Camp Lo has been known for throughout their careers. What sets this album apart is the incorporation of live instrumentation, which is evident from the intro of the album. The jazz influences are also clear on songs like Sunglasses and Gypsy Notes.

As for the best songs on the album, it's a tough call because there are so many good tracks. You featuring Trife is a standout because of the smooth production and the chemistry between the two artists. Cold Retarded featuring Ab-Soul is also noteworthy because of the lyrical dexterity on display. Black Hollywood is the title track, and it's a standout because of the unapologetic lyrics and the use of live instrumentation.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of samples. It's not uncommon for hip hop albums to use samples, but the way that Camp Lo and Ski Beatz use them on Black Hollywood is impressive. On Gypsy Notes, for instance, they use a sample from jazz guitarist Pat Martino's El Hombre, and they turn it into a completely new sound. The way that they blend genres seamlessly is also innovative, and it's something that has become a hallmark of Camp Lo's sound.

In terms of my personal take on the album, I think that Black Hollywood is a solid effort from Camp Lo. It's not their best work, but it's a welcomed addition to their discography. The live instrumentation and the blending of genres make for a refreshing listen, and the guest appearances add a layer of depth to the album. However, there are some tracks that fall flat, such as Electric Semi-Automatic Pencil and Starlight Glitz.

In conclusion, Black Hollywood is a testament to Camp Lo's artistry and their willingness to take risks. The fusion of jazz, funk, and hip hop make for a unique listening experience, and the use of live instrumentation is a welcome addition. Although the album has its flaws, it's a solid effort from one of hip hop's most influential duos. If you're a fan of Camp Lo, I would definitely recommend giving Black Hollywood a listen.

In conclusion, Black Hollywood is a testament to Camp Lo's artistry and their willingness to take risks. The fusion of jazz, funk, and hip hop make for a unique listening experience, and the use of live instrumentation is a welcome addition. Although the album has its flaws, it's a solid effort from one of hip hop's most influential duos. If you're a fan of Camp Lo, I would definitely recommend giving Black Hollywood a listen.