I think the first song is supposed to intimidate you; it has that toughness like ‘don’t mess with me!’ The first track made me wonder if he’s trying to compensate for something or somethin’- having his buddies on the mic tracking lines like, “If you mess with the Theory, you’re messing with me, I’m 6’5’’ and 300 lbs….” I am not really into that sort of hip hop, who needs to go on a mic and say something like that? It’s pointless… if people bought the CD, they’re obviously going to be on Theory’s side, you know?
On that note, I bring you to the next track which is made up for my odd feelings of the first. It’s got a funky beat with references to J-5 and Different Strokes… yes that’s right- Gary Coleman is quoted once again and fond fond memories they are. The track’s beat is bumping with strings and the lyrics are quite alright. The message is solid; the jist- drugs aren’t cool. I am starting to feel the CD now, there are a few inconsistencies from the first track but it’s already getting better.
As the story unfolds Theory Hazit combines piano lines to create a love song, which has a Talib Kwali quality to it. He raps flash backs of the past while he talks about his beginnings starting out in Kentucky. In this track the beat is cool but sometimes sounds like the two dominant sounds in the beat don’t match up –timing wise. Theory Hazit grew up to the hip hop of Big Daddy Kane, New Edition, Kid n’ Play and the first time he heard Rapper’s Delight- he knew that was what he wanted to do. He continues with confessional tracks like I Just Wanna Go Home where he speaks of an early introduction to drugs and being kicked out choir practice at church, getting numerous charges from the police, had a baby at 19, trying to balance work, family and school while fighting the drug problem. The track still seems really upbeat like there’s hope. Songs to follow have great character like Dumb Dunces where he elaborates over a metaphor- elementary school and uses all aspects of the subject. He features oriental sounding beats and by this point the album grows on me. I still have a problem though with a few gangster lines he spits, while talking about beliefs in God and working on a low self-esteem. In a way it just seems like an act since the lines are so inconsistent, in the same song even. At moments I find Theory charming and hopeful and then I find he puts on a tough front to prove himself and to me it just sounds like he’s copying the mainstream and then I get confused about the message he’s trying to get across. He dedicates a song for his children and then there’s a whole lot more about nothing and more about something.
At moments I wish he would fluxuate his voice and make it all have a bit more character. It’s clear though when he is rapping about something dear to him or if it has serious subject matter, but there’s still a bit of shit talking and- to me there’s no need for it. It tells you nothing and it just lays flat. He definitely has a talent for production and many of his rhymes can be picturesque but there are a lot of big gaps between who he is and he wants to be. Maybe since this is an introductory album he is still trying to find his flame, but it’s still a very good album. People who like upbeats and listen for just that will enjoy it. People who like rhymes and more of a mainstream sound will too like it. I wouldn’t say that the album sounds original, most of the songs follow the same patterns that many have in the past – I see this as a good chance to hear a new voice speak and a new beat break.
