Penuckle - The Sun Beckons
(Basement Records)
Grade: B-
“The Sun Beckons” is the debut album from the eclectic California emcee. In today’s hip hop genre, where many rappers sound the same and make albums that play like one long extended track, this record is a pleasant surprise. It would be difficult to convince someone that this is the same emcee throughout the album’s 16 tracks. Some may say this he is searching for his style while others may counter that he is just that original. Penuckle incorporates elements from a wide array of influences ranging from KRS One and P.E. to Radiohead and Metallica. Production is provided by DJ Roo, Jay Dee MacLile, as well as Penuckle himself. The album starts off hot with the opening track, Welcome and the guitar heavy, reggae infused, Study Music (Get Ready). Other highlights include the danceable B Girls, hypnotizing Parachutes, and the creative Ghetto, which is evokes the story telling vibe of J-Live. The alt-rap sound of The Big Sumptin’ may be dismissed by hip hop heads, but embraced by the same rock fans that made the Gorillaz such a commercial success. Now just because an album is original doesn’t mean that it’s not bizarre or even boring at times. The album has it’s fair share of bargain bin material including the corny “Walk Like An Egyptian” sampler, Day Off and the strange-as-can-be Spittin Down the Drain and When Lucy Met Pearl…This album is sure to be overlooked by many hip hop fans, but should be still be appreciated for its unique blend of sounds, its intelligent social commentary and brave attempts to stretch the rigid boundaries of the rap game.
