Lord Jamar - The 5% Album
Label: Babygrande
Grade: B-
Highlight: Advance The Game
Overview: The 5% Album is the debut solo album from Brand Nubian’s Lord Jamar. While Puba and Sadat X have had individual success, this is Lord Jamar’s attempt to get his, while also droppin’ knowledge on the ideology of the 5% nation. This is being billed as a “concept” album; a collaborative effort from Babygrande and Dreddy Kruger’s Think Differently Music Group. There are quite a few interesting things about this album. For one, it features cameos from Wu members RZA, Raekwon and GZA. Secondly, Puba and Sadat X lend their efforts as well, giving us that old “One For All” vibe. Third, the junior varsity generation of Wu-Tang and Brand Nubian make an appearance, with Young Lord, Young Dirty, and Young Justice on “Young Godz.” They would be the sons of Jamar, ODB and GZA. Last and maybe the most unique, this album comes fully equipped with a 90+ page collector’s booklet discussing the influence of the 5% nation on the origin and development of hip hop.
Yes, it’s religious propaganda – but it does have pictures for people that don’t read! This is not a classic album by any means, but it’s good to hear Lord Jamar back on the mic and it’s good to see emcees unite and join him on this project. Although he was never the focal point of Brand Nubian, at least he is showing that he is no Pras. Jamar and Chuck Wilson do a nice job on the production and make this a pleasant album to listen to. I could do without all the skits and interludes, but then again, this is a “concept” album, so we better learn something here.
