I was over my boy Miz’s crib (what up DJ. Mizery and RTP) last month and he played a couple tracks in the basement that made me stop and say who is that?

When you heard the sound from the speakers, you heard something familiar even if you don’t know who it is.

One of West Philly’s own has dropped an album and it doesn’t disappoint, combining head knocking beats with a hungry and experienced flow. The artist known as Baby Blak has the message and skills to stay on the scene for a long while.

Blak starts the album with the scratching “Intro” which leaves an immediate impression on this listener. The intro said to me: “This is my life and I won’t be trying to grab you with cheesy beats and lyrics I’ve worked to hard to come soft now”

The second track “Once You Go Blak” is a statement on Blak own skills and his journey to his deal, from trips to New York studios and dealing with other supposed “real” MC’s. Bringing that Philly confidence Blak lets those who doubt he is here for a reason: to dominate. He drops some lines like “I spit with a substance that be giving niggas ulcers, if I was whips I would trimmed with those customs”. The beat by Rob Dinero is infectious especially during the verse parts.

“ Wake Up” lets those who like doing the same old same like tricking, hustling, doing everything easy that it’s time to wake up. The second verse is especially nice with Blak telling the mother who’s being a negative role model to get it together or you’ll see the results in your kids. The beat by DJ Revolution sound like something out of the seventies, you know something you’d be walking down the street like George Jefferson to.

In “Tables Turn” explains what happens when all of a sudden you are face with people who change they style when they find out you got new found respect, fame…etc. The beat features scratches and sounds of an electric guitar at the breakdown. The hater’s ears will when start burning when they hear this track. Blak is quick to represent killing lines like: ”Pokemon bitches won’t even peek at you (Pikachu)”!

On the Joey Chavez produced “Fallin Down” Blak talks about being broke and most can understand that. Blak does a great job of storytelling and breaks down several instances when he was pushed to the edge being broke like the time he almost killed someone cause he was about to get evicted. The beat is guitar laced with jazz influences and the chorus it tight. The experience isn’t just subject to a few but many and Blak conveys that in this song.

“ Friends” produced by Jay Ski tells of friend you don’t want. He talks about those friends that take you kindness for weakness and take advantage. You have to keep those people you have to keep your eye out for.

“ Economix” breaks down the state of the community to a beat Primo-like. He talks about the steps a lot of minorities are unfortunate to follow from school to the prison system and the traps of the street. Kev Brown’s beat is piano laced with a heavy bass feel. This is one song that will make you stop and think.

“ Taster’s Choice” is an underground cut with a freestyle feel. Nucleus A. Burton produces the track and Blak lets you know he can battle you anyway you want it. His talk of A&Rs and them signing bad acts is funny but sadly true. He compares music companies to slave-owners.

“ Crazy” reminds you of something from Things Fall Apart, The Roots album but I guess that’s just the Philly in Blak. This is just Blak blacking out in the studio on a mysterious Jay Ski beat. He continues to touch many topics including Mumia and his experience in the game.

Blak reaches out to the neighborhood days in “The Youth”. Telling of days when he used to take care of the neighborhood and became a positive influence to the children. This song reminds you that a role model doesn’t come in a specific package and that the good things that everyone does must be appreciated.

I love the track “Starvin’ Artist”. As one myself there are days when you think about doing the convenient and taking the easy road instead of struggling for what you want. The song lets you know of Blak’s triumph in the bass and royal sound done Street Orchestra. He’s doing what we all strive for.

“ Firewater” produced by Soul Supreme, just has Blak going a track with a hint of violin strings. The track is perfect for Blak and his hood tales and description of his style.

“ So Many” is the one track you could get tired of if you didn’t listen to the specifics, the chorus could be better as the women moaning his name makes me no more enlightened.

But at least he gets deep into what type of chicks he has and why they are in his life even briefly. The beat is nice and simple and takes you back to Africa and the drum.
“ Peace” features Mr. Lish and they just and spend time trading stories and talking stuff and about living in the streets of Philly and the many encounters they have had.

“ No Coast All Stars” features Obie Trice and Planet Asia and they all represent for their respective hometowns. DJ Revolution does the job again bringing a quirky bass to the studio for each MC to spill on. All these guys show why they get their props in their respective circles.

“ Daddy Dearest” is one of the best tracks on the album. Produced by P-Smoovah and featuring Lady Alma the track tells about Blak’s struggle with a dead-beat dad. One who was here one minute gone the next. Between doing drugs and trying to make ends meet he neglected his child. The beat is hot and leads you to think hard about your situation and/or your peoples who have done that.

“ Diamonds” (Diemon) tells of whom, how and why a lot of brothers are dying: over a chain or a ring of ice. Blak is quick to shed light on the fact that people in caves are dying for some people can help their weak self-esteem. This song is very educational and the beat done by Sat 1 sounds like an epic saga is about to occur.

Overall I was very impressed by this album. The lyrics were reflective and sometimes educational. Of course being biased he makes sure to represent for the hometown, which I love but he also puts faces to the streets. His storytelling is great and while most are talking about whatever sells Blak does what he feels and has experienced in his 20+ years. Only one song “So Many” made me even think of skipping and he does a good job of using hidden meanings and word associations. I think that Baby Blak has the talent and content to be respected for years.

I’ll give it 4.5 globes.

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