Often people call themselves artists but are just trying to do the same thing that has been done many times before and not attempting to actually create something larger than themselves. Luckily, Random (aka Mega Ran) is not one of those people. Whether it is the creation of the alter ego Mega Ran, the incredible Black Materia or his latest endeavor Language Arts, Random keeps bringing original ideas to the music and makes sure to push his creative boundaries on each outing. Language Art: Volume One is the beginning of a multimedia journey that includes three EPs, a video game, and a comic. But, I am getting ahead of myself, first let us discuss Volume One, here it goes.
"Introduction" kicks off the album and acts as an, get this, introduction, to the lead character, Raheem Jarbo, or Mr. J "a language arts teacher in the roughest neighborhood in town" with "dreams of becoming a successful musician." Sound familiar? It almost has a movie feel (as it should considering the epicness of this endeavor.)
The first actual song, "City of Angels," features a very somber beat by EOM, where Random paints a picture his city as he looks out his window. Imagine, a black screen slowly fading into a man waking up and contemplating the struggle of his neighborhood "full of heroes and villains, good seeds, bad seeds, most of them is in-between." The images that really stick for me are when he is addressing the problems of teaching and reaching the children (his students) because of all the problems around (from drug dealers, jail, school system that often doesn't care, etc.)
As depressing as "City of Angels" feels, "Wake Up!" sounds that uplifting. But, the instrumentation masks the idea that both tracks are just as true and real. Now, Raheem Jarbo is faced with a trouble any teacher and rapper faces (really any rapper who also has a 9-5, which is most), balancing between your job and your career. Random's first verse features one of my favorite lines of the album (warning, Nerd Alert coming up), "my lady thinking I don't show her respect, but she don't know, I have games I haven't opened up yet, now that's love." MC Frontlot makes an appearance on the next verse, almost sounding like Jarbo's inner thoughts "you wanted to be a rapper, now you got what you were after, wouldn't rather, well you know you have to, grab the mic and make noises into it, you and the beat get intimate."
The character of Jarbo really starts to become clearer and take center stage on "Language Arts (1st Day of School)" when he uses a song to introduce himself and basically present his syllabus to his students.
First off, I'm Mr. J, I've been teaching five years and in my spare time I hold a nice career, I make music, but not just anytime, I'm a poet who combines dope rhythm with rhyme, and in most circles that would make me a rapper, but I don't call myself that, not what I'm after, so don't ask for my super dope ride, because I'm pushing that black Kia right there outside.As Random often does, he is great at creating the picture of the moment and making you feel like you are right there as a student in the class.
By far my favorite song off the album is "Buggin' (The Metamorphosis.)" While yes it does have a very cool beat (and transforms beautifully on the chorus) and Random does what he does on the mic, what blows me away about the track is that it is Kafka's masterpiece in just over 3 minutes. So yea, it is probably my literary nerd that makes this so incredible. But it also works perfectly for the story, because it is Mr. J teaching to his students. I could ramble about this track for a LONG time, but it would be more a dissection of the track compared to Kafka's and no one wants to read that.
Ariano and Punchline each make appearances on "The Constant" an ode to all things hip hop (good and bad) while reminiscing about way back when. The chorus does such a great job of summing up the feelings of so many hip hop heads "Every day I rise, hip hop's on my mind, because its my constant."
Every time I hear the beginning of "KillCount" it sends a jolt through me because of the sounds of video games gun shots and car crashes. A student addicted to the latest ultra real game, that mirrors the city and area they are in. It does a great job of subtly making you feel uncomfortable about enjoying similar games and makes you question why we want to play ourself in a world that so many people try so hard to get out of everyday.
The student from "KillCount" kicks off "Classroom Blues," itching to cut class and go back to the game, Dr. Awkward plays another student wanting to leave as well. After the chorus, Mr. J speaks to the class only to find out about Joshua and Kareem (the two students) cutting class. Then things get very interesting for the star of the trilogy, as he is warned he may be fired if his students don't improve. The album ends with "Volume One Ending" which acts as a teaser for Volume Two.
It is tough to really get an idea of the breadth of this project by just listening to this album, because it isn't just a single album...no it is three albums, plus a video game (which has a soundtrack) and a comic. But, even if this was a standalone piece it would be spectacular (minus the cliffhanger ending.) Random once again shows that he knows how to craft an album (or at least the beginning of this trilogy) and if he keeps it up with the next two volumes, the musical side of this alone is going to be something extra special.
You can stream and download the album here.
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