Album Review
Aftermath is at it again! Well sort of. Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Obie Trice, and G-Unit are sitting this one out. It’s Joell Ortiz’s turn up to bat with the release of The Brick: Bodega Chronicles. Who is Joell Ortiz you ask? He’s the latest Brooklynite looking to make a name for his self in the rap game. Ortiz first appeared on the scene in 2004 garnering The Source’s coveted Unsigned Hype and XXL’s Chairman’s Choice. He also was featured on NBA Live 2005 after winning the 2004 EA Sports Battle. Fast forward to now and Ortiz is signed to Aftermath, has a few mixtape’s under his belt, and been compared to Big Pun. Life on easy street must be nice, right?
The Brick: Bodega Chronicles gives us a look into Ortiz’s life growing up in Brooklyn. This album was recorded while he was still looking for a deal. That means no Dre beats, no guest appearances from Aftermath artists, and no crazy marketing campaign. The Brick is officially a street album released on Koch records with no formal affiliation to Aftermath. Which could be a problem, except Ortiz is an above average MC. On songs like “125 Pt.’s 1, 2, & 4” (& 5 if you get the CD from Best Buy) Ortiz proves that he’s a lyricist and not just a rapper. These songs all log in at over 5 minutes and feature no hook, just straight lyrics. While a bit excessive in length coherent lyrical content and an engaging flow make up for it. Being Latino it’s easy to compare him to Big Pun, but Ortiz is his own man and can hold his own with almost anyone on the mic.
He proves it on songs like “Time is Money,” with Styles P and “Brooklyn Remix,” with Big Daddy Kane. On “Caught Up” he challenges young kid’s infatuation with hustling. While Ortiz admits to doing it his self, he does not glorify it and speaks on the effects that it’s had on his life. But for the most part he speaks on what he knows: everyday life in Brooklyn. Redundant at times, Ortiz’s honest lyrics and natural charisma keep things moving along. Songs like “Modern Day Slavery,” ft. Immortal Technique show Ortiz has the ability to speak on other subject matter when he wants to. Ortiz’s lead single “Hip Hop,” is the closest you’ll get to an Aftermath song on this. The three-chord piano baseline, electric guitar riff, maraca, chime, and synthesizer beat is Dr. Dre-esque. It gives you an idea of why he was signed to Aftermath in the first place.
Ortiz has a strong mic presence and good breath control, vital to any good MC. He has a good control of his actual flow as well; he knows when to ride the beat and when to take over it. His beat selection is good and the songs are sequenced well. Most songs are sample based and have a cinematic feel to them. He’s obviously is respected within the industry because of the guest artist’s he was able to get on this album. We know that Ortiz reps the 718 to the fullest, but two songs devoted to Brooklyn is a bit much. He’s able to get away with it to some degree because of his lyrical ability. He truly paints pictures in his verses and is able to come up with new ways to say the same thing. All he needs to do is expand his subject matter, because he is well on his way to becoming a star. The Brick: Bodega Chronicles is a good introduction of Joell Ortiz to the mainstream rap world. It’ll be interesting to see what he does on Aftermath debut.
Rating: 3/5
