In today’s pointlessly excessive Cristal bling hip hop world, it’s refreshing to hear an MC with an actual point of view.  That is, a worldview beyond money, machismo, and corporate branding.  Fortunately, those MCs exist.   Brother Ali  is one such artist.   Lexington, Ky.-based rapper Royal Illness is another.  

His newest CD  ‘Armed Forces’ is full of deft wordplay and clever intricate rhymes, all surrounded by classical samples, bluesy guitars, operatic choirs, 70s soul,  and the attack of snapping drumbeats.  At times, the music reminds you of the gritty orchestral murk of classic Wu-Tang Clan.  At other times, it veers into bluesy  Everlast territory.  Despite the absence of Public Enemy’s air-raid sirens and punk urgency, their influence on Royal Illness also can’t be overlooked.  This is honest and heartfelt and just the sort of thing hip-hop needs.  Royal  Illness  actually SAYS something  and has the musical skills to make it all happen.  Highly recommended. 

http://royalillness.bandcamp.com

About the author: Michael Franklin is the Media & Reserves Specialist at WKU Library’s Visual & Performing Arts Library. Michael is also a professional musician and sound engineer.