Time Theft Nation

Top 12 for 2011: Projects with massive replay value

9) Open Mike Eagle’s “Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes”

Right off the bat, I really like when an artist chooses to include the name of the producer right on their tracklisting, giving them the proper respect for their contribution to the track. I first found out about Open Mike Eagle, when I used the App, Aweditorium, and came across the song “I Rock.”, instantly becoming a fan of his unique style. The “Satire Hop” lane he’s carved out is phenomenal, and is vividly displayed on Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes.

The album starts off with the rewind-friendly track “The Processional (The Funeral March)”, produced by the albums most featured beatsmiths, E. Super. Mike begins by explaining his out of place lifestyle, joking how he remembers the keywords from the hits off of Pinkerton and how he prefers tunes from the landline era. This is the first mention of his hyper-aware knowledge of the ‘unforeseen’ consequences of the broadband generation. He later mentions finding a woman in the normal way, again, preferring a coffee shop over match.com. Hip Hop heads will appreciate his Masked Villain reference, and his love for avant-garde music. He isn’t going to beg anyone to listen to his tracks, but if you choose to, raise your damn hands and rock.

Much like the structure of many albums, a single appears next, but it isn’t what you might expect in this day of radio-friendly bangers. Instead, Mike chooses a soulful hook to recall his insomnia and the worries they birth (sorry for the weird image you might currently have in your mind). I’m a sucker for homonym’s, so the line that stands out most to me is “Give me food truck tacos, heavy sour cream no cilantro. Raps all post modern.” Again, this track is chock full of lines that will make you rewind, so I’d rather not spell them out here. He does give a nod to Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and knows he has a sharp mind, but he tip toes around.

On the next track, “No Body Nose (prod. Loden), Mike talks more on his concerns of the internet, especially in the regard of new people trying to reach out and be friends with him. If you aren’t or haven’t shared a special occasion/event/holiday with him, chances are slim.

Alpha MC lends his production skills and bars on the next track “NH2” which talks about the fact many don’t understand when they hurt people, until it happens to them.

The title track, “Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes (prod. E. Super)” touches on the fact that rap has turned into a career-arc industry. The artists are no longer concerned with putting out a piece of art that they are proud of and “going for broke,” like Mike’s past heroes, but rather, seeking out the next radio single, and staying relevant until they go grey.

On the record’s most head spastic beat (Thank you Taco neck), Mike delivers his best verse on the album. Now, I might be biased because of the Community reference, but I really feel like he matches the angst of the track with his unbelievable wordplay. He talks about his incompatibility with Malibu’s and the reactions of park-goers who clutch their purses when he walks past.

E. Super really crushed this album, delivering the classic video game tones to Mike on “Rent Party Revolution,” my favorite track. He actually performed this song at the U.C.B. theater (among others, snoop around the youtube), and has also performed shows with comedian heavyweight, Paul F. Tompkins.

“Kings” features lyricists VerBS and Real8, alongside Open Mike Eagle to provide the albums strongest track. The theme of the entire album is explicitly stated in the hook, “pay attention.”

In respect to the ADD of the general reader (and writer), I’m going to briefly touch upon the final 6 tracks of the record:

“Exiled from the Getalong Gang” - Hilarious conceptual track, chronicling the falling out of two friends trading voice messages.

“Right Next to You” - favorite beat on the album (E. Super, yet again), packed with humorist bars.

“Dishes” - Where else can you find an MC talking about doing the dishes and hypothetically spray painting a classic VW Beetle gold, before following Slug around on tour.  Also, a great, poignant bit about jumping through hoops wraps the track.

“Bright Green Light” - The album’s second single, talks about the pressures of almost giving into the haters, but ultimately finding the will and motivation to kick ass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OhobMZupEA

The album finishes up on a high, but conscious note, with a reprise of Natural Causes and Old Member Reclamation. The lyrics let you know that “You were the one that you were waiting for.” You had it all along, it’s within! In the final, “hidden track,” Mike holds nothing back, providing all of his observations. “It’s hard to forget it all,” rewind it over and over and learn the truth, from Open Mike Eagle. Enjoy!

Pick up the album here: http://www.amazon.com/Rappers-Will-Die-Natural-Causes/dp/B0057RIGWA Seriously, do it. It won’t leave rotation for years to come.