Artist: Digable Planets Album: Blowout Comb

Year: 1994
Duration: 1:01:41

A Close Look at Digable Planets' Blowout Comb

If the '90s was a golden era of hip-hop, then Digable Planets is definitely one of the most underrated groups of that time. Their second album 'Blowout Comb' is an undisputed gem of jazz-rap fusion and deserves more recognition than it has. So, let's dive into the album with a critical review.

Digable Planets was formed in 1987 by three college students - Butterfly, Doodlebug, and Ladybug Mecca. The trio blended jazz and hip-hop to create their own genre called alternative hip-hop that was unique to them. 'Blowout Comb' is their second studio album that was released in 1994, the year when the rap industry was still blossoming.

The album is a collection of 16 tracks with an overall theme of black consciousness. It opens with 'The May 4th Movement Starring Doodlebug' that sets the tone of the album. The track pays tribute to the Kent State massacre that happened on May 4, 1970, and highlights the pressing issues of the black community. The album features live instrumentation as well as sampling from jazz records that are well blended with the rhymes.

The most innovative part of the album is the way the trio blends their lyrics with the beats. The rhymes are infused with jazz influences that are cleverly used to address political and social issues. For example, 'Black Ego' is a lyrical masterpiece that expresses the struggles of maintaining black identity in a white-dominated society. The verses blend over Miles Davis's trumpet samples that elevates the feeling of the song.

The best song of the album, in my opinion, is '9th Wonder' that features the legendary jazz saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk. The track starts with a simple beat and gradually builds up to a complex jazz-infused composition that you can't help but nod your head to. The lyrics about urban decay and police brutality are just as relevant today as they were in the '90s.

However, there are some songs on the album that don't quite hit the mark, such as 'For Corners.' The beat doesn't live up to the high standards set by other tracks on the album and the lyrics also fall short. But, even with a few misses, the album as a whole is an amalgamation of art and social commentary.

In conclusion, 'Blowout Comb' is a timeless album that deserves recognition beyond its cult following. The way Digable Planets blends jazz and hip-hop makes the album stand out in the genre. The socially conscious lyrics and live instrumentations elevate the overall experience of the album. If you haven't listened to it yet, I encourage you to give it a spin and see for yourself why it's a critical gem of alternative hip-hop.

In conclusion, 'Blowout Comb' is a timeless album that deserves recognition beyond its cult following. The way Digable Planets blends jazz and hip-hop makes the album stand out in the genre. The socially conscious lyrics and live instrumentations elevate the overall experience of the album. If you haven't listened to it yet, I encourage you to give it a spin and see for yourself why it's a critical gem of alternative hip-hop.