Spring Break
CD Review: R.I. rapper Symmetry could be great white rapping hope
Jeremy Carmona
Issue date: 3/8/07 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
03/08/07 - Hidden in North Providence lies a talent that some might think is comparable to the state's own Sage Francis. His MC skills are so on point that VH1's White Rapper Show doesn't even compare to the level of how superior this rapper is going to be.
Symmetry has released his latest album on Poorly Drawn People, a Rhode Island hip-hop label. Symmetry has emerged from the Rhode Island hip-hop scene, and on his second album, he is trying to make his presence known.
Dusty Pickup incorporates old-school 1990s hip-hop production and a combo of rock, soul and jazz. Anything resorting back to the 1990s hip-hop music scene is a promise for greatness. Such greats such as Big L, Pete Rock and Big Daddy Kane are just some of the artists that are legends in this era and have left a mark in hip-hop today.
One thing that might be difficult for Symmetry is the fact that he's a white rapper. Observing the White Rapper Show in detail, I've learned that the difficulty that white rappers undergo is gaining respect within a world that is dominated by blacks.
So the question at hand is will Symmetry be able to stand among the ranks of Eminem, Everlast and Atmosphere? Or will society shut him down like Fred Durst and Vanilla Ice?
Chances are good that eventually Symmetry will be able to hold his ground with the greats, but first he needs to branch out of Rhode Island to see any real results.
Dusty Pickup does well in providing a number of singles that would deem worthy of radio airplay. "She Asked" is a melodic rap song about how a curious girl makes an attempt to pry into his life. Questions ranging from love to the existence of heaven have a mild similarity to A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation," especially with the bass line and placement of background instrumentals.
"Idiosyncratic" is an upbeat club banger that talks about an artist dealing with the struggle of a rising music career and maintaining a 9-to-5 job.
Dusty Pickup includes a number of diverse samples and pays homage to old school rap. It's a personal and adult showcase of one's own personal mortality.
Symmetry succeeds in getting across his ideas simple enough for his fans to note. He stays true to what he knows instead of what sells.
Symmetry has released his latest album on Poorly Drawn People, a Rhode Island hip-hop label. Symmetry has emerged from the Rhode Island hip-hop scene, and on his second album, he is trying to make his presence known.
Dusty Pickup incorporates old-school 1990s hip-hop production and a combo of rock, soul and jazz. Anything resorting back to the 1990s hip-hop music scene is a promise for greatness. Such greats such as Big L, Pete Rock and Big Daddy Kane are just some of the artists that are legends in this era and have left a mark in hip-hop today.
One thing that might be difficult for Symmetry is the fact that he's a white rapper. Observing the White Rapper Show in detail, I've learned that the difficulty that white rappers undergo is gaining respect within a world that is dominated by blacks.
So the question at hand is will Symmetry be able to stand among the ranks of Eminem, Everlast and Atmosphere? Or will society shut him down like Fred Durst and Vanilla Ice?
Chances are good that eventually Symmetry will be able to hold his ground with the greats, but first he needs to branch out of Rhode Island to see any real results.
Dusty Pickup does well in providing a number of singles that would deem worthy of radio airplay. "She Asked" is a melodic rap song about how a curious girl makes an attempt to pry into his life. Questions ranging from love to the existence of heaven have a mild similarity to A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation," especially with the bass line and placement of background instrumentals.
"Idiosyncratic" is an upbeat club banger that talks about an artist dealing with the struggle of a rising music career and maintaining a 9-to-5 job.
Dusty Pickup includes a number of diverse samples and pays homage to old school rap. It's a personal and adult showcase of one's own personal mortality.
Symmetry succeeds in getting across his ideas simple enough for his fans to note. He stays true to what he knows instead of what sells.
