Artist: Doug E. Fresh Album: Play

Year: 1995
Duration: 0:0-1

Doug E. Fresh Album: Play - A Critical Review

Doug E. Fresh needs no introduction when it comes to Hip-hop music. He has been in the game for over three decades and has released several albums, including his 1986 hit album - Oh, My God. Today, we're going to take a closer look at his 1988 album - Play. We'll delve into its history, the music genre, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and my personal critique.

Let's start with a brief history of Doug E. Fresh and why he is so important to Hip-hop culture. Born in Barbados and raised in Harlem, Doug E. Fresh is one of the pioneers of beatboxing and is also known for his excellent skills as an MC. He started his career in the 1980s and was one of the first rappers to successfully merge rap with R&B. His 1988 album, Play, was released following the critical and commercial success of his 1986 hit album - Oh, My God.

Play is a mix of different genres such as Hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. The beats are infectious and the production quality is solid, which is expected from a Doug E. Fresh album. The album opens up with a track called Play This Only At Night, where Doug E. Fresh raps about the different types of music that should be played at night. This track sets the tone for the entire album. It's a perfect introduction to the party vibe that Doug E. Fresh is trying to create.

However, the stand-out tracks on this album are Keep Risin' To The Top and Bustin' Out. Keep Risin' To The Top features Doug E. Fresh singing over an R&B beat, which is quite different from his usual Hip-hop vibe. The track has a motivational message, encouraging the listener to keep pushing forward despite life's challenges. Bustin' Out features Doug E. Fresh rapping over a funky beat that is reminiscent of the old school Hip-hop era. The track showcases his impressive beatboxing skills, which are still unmatched to this day.

The most innovative part of the album is how Doug E. Fresh blends different genres to create his signature sound. He effortlessly fuses Hip-hop with R&B and soul music, which was a rare feat in the 1980s. His beatboxing skills also add an element of uniqueness to the album, making it stand out from other Hip-hop albums that were released during the same era.

However, despite the strengths of the album, there are some weaknesses as well. Some tracks on the album feel repetitive and lack the usual Doug E. Fresh energy. For example, the track Ev'ry Body Got 2 Get Some feels like a filler track that doesn't contribute anything significant to the album.

In conclusion, Doug E. Fresh's 1988 album - Play is a solid addition to his discography. The album showcases his ability to blend different genres to create his signature sound, which is still influential to this day. The best tracks on the album are Keep Risin' To The Top and Bustin' Out. However, there are some weaknesses in the album, such as the lack of energy in some tracks. Overall, Play is worth a listen for anyone interested in Hip-hop music and its history.