An album worth playing from beginning to end is something to be cherished.
It’s even better when you’ve become so engaged that its conclusion catches you off guard. You’re genuinely surprised you’ve played the whole thing through. This happens with Rapper Big Pooh’s 2005 solo debut Sleepers.
Said to be a distant second to Phonte Coleman when the pair were members of beloved group Little Brother, on this set Pooh owns the rhymelight (that’s the lyrist spotlight to the uninformed). He places all doubters into a deep, recuperative slumber while every track here plays over in their heads.
Pooh’s inspired, heavy-hitter flow breeds quotable verse after quotable verse, beginning with his ode to criticism “I Don’t Care”. The quality of the production here is also incredible. Khrysis and 9th Wonder handle most of the tracks here, an their offerings are some of the best in their catalogs. See: “Heart of the City” produced by 9th and “The Fever” produced by Khrysis. Big Pooh goes lyrically Gorilla Monsoon on both.
A true standout and testament to Big Pooh’s artistry is the slowed-down storytelling on the Big Dho-produced “The Jungle”. Soulful and immersive, its harmonies and traumatic tales sends chills up spines and trembles speakers.
If you haven’t heard Sleepers in a while, it’s time to revisit it. If you’ve never heard it before, add it to your playlist right now.
That is all. Thank you for reading, God bless you, and have a great night. | THIS ENT
[Mr. Joe Walker]
