Dekonstruktion leaves much to be desired
Photo courtesy Soundchron records
Okai poses under a map of the world, perhaps in an effort to appear deep in lieu of any particular musical talent.
Brooklyn MC Okai is set to release his debut album, Dekonstruktion of the Mind, on March 21. The album is coming out on Soundchron records and is produced exclusively by label mate Ayatollah, who has also produced tracks for the likes of Mos Def and Talib Kweli.
Okai has a lot in common with fellow New York rapper Nas, with inspiring, thought-provoking lyrics and full beats. The album features various artists like Planet Asia, Vinia Mojica and Tara Thomas.
The first single of the album is “Bout That.” Unlike most of the other tracks on the record, this one doesn’t have the same revolutionary subject matter as songs like “Critisize.” While the trite lyrics are not as powerful as others on the album, it is a solid first single, with an easy-going, good-natured beat.
One of the better songs on the album is the title track. It features a strong, bass-heavy beat backed with a piano sample. Okai delivers deep vocals describing his own experiences hustling and his anger at the establishment for making this necessary.
The most socially conscious song on the album is the last track, “Amendment (Starvation).” On the track, he says that if starvation still exists, it must be because a few powerful people want it to. The song is intelligent and well thought-out.
As far as the whole CD goes, it is just okay. Other than the previously mentioned songs, most of the others just fade together due to similar, lackluster beats.
There are many politically and socially aimed attacks, but because of the weakness of each track, the cause is more hurt than helped. So if you enjoy thoughtful, motivated lyrics or are just a big fan of Nas, pick this one up in March. Otherwise, it’s better left alone.
