Spring Break
KeAnthony really needs to up his game on A Hustlaz Story
Erin Shea
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Entertainment
12/04/08 - There really was no way an album titled A Hustlaz Story was going to be a mind blowing lyrical masterpiece, was there?
I had hope, but I think the 'z' killed it.
The debut album from R&B newcomer KeAnthony definitely isn't an album of surprises. Its tracks have names like, "Forever My Homie" and "I Ain't Tryna.'" Musical genius, indeed.
KeAnthony's voice is strong, but not quite distinguishable enough to elevate A Hustlaz Story beyond mediocrity.
For all the praise there is Online surrounding the work of KeAnthony's production team, which included the Underdogs and Mike City among others, A Hustlaz Story doesn't utilize any new production tricks. It's all standard R&B production, including slow drum loops and "funky" keyboard blips. Nothing innovative to see here. Most of the tracks on A Hustlaz Story sound like they would have been more at home blaring from the headphones of my older cousin's Walkman circa 1996.
That, combined with KeAnthony's gift with words, makes for one forgettable listen.
"I like to puff, puff everyday," sings KeAnthony on "Every Time I'm High," and I can't help wondering if perhaps that explains it? I mean, there really is no other explanation for that pathetic excuse of a chorus in "Call Me," in which back-up singers use their most sultry falsettos to sing, "You can call me at 299-9935." Is this a used car commercial or something?
It's this kind of overly slick, 90's-style cheesiness that forces A Hustlaz Story to remain stuck in the bargain-bin pile at WalMart.
A Hustlaz Story proves that just because you've had some rough experiences in your life and can hold a tune, that doesn't necessarily make you an artist. You need a presence that can be felt even through stereo speakers and the solid production to back it up. Most importantly though, you need to be able to write lyrics that flow, and don't just sound like your own jumbled thoughts set to some cheesy Muzak.
Unfortunately, KeAnthony has none of those qualities. He is the generic R&B boy, plucked from obscurity to record one album, attempt to appeal to the masses, and then fade away before you can even tell him he has 15 minutes.
I had hope, but I think the 'z' killed it.
The debut album from R&B newcomer KeAnthony definitely isn't an album of surprises. Its tracks have names like, "Forever My Homie" and "I Ain't Tryna.'" Musical genius, indeed.
KeAnthony's voice is strong, but not quite distinguishable enough to elevate A Hustlaz Story beyond mediocrity.
For all the praise there is Online surrounding the work of KeAnthony's production team, which included the Underdogs and Mike City among others, A Hustlaz Story doesn't utilize any new production tricks. It's all standard R&B production, including slow drum loops and "funky" keyboard blips. Nothing innovative to see here. Most of the tracks on A Hustlaz Story sound like they would have been more at home blaring from the headphones of my older cousin's Walkman circa 1996.
That, combined with KeAnthony's gift with words, makes for one forgettable listen.
"I like to puff, puff everyday," sings KeAnthony on "Every Time I'm High," and I can't help wondering if perhaps that explains it? I mean, there really is no other explanation for that pathetic excuse of a chorus in "Call Me," in which back-up singers use their most sultry falsettos to sing, "You can call me at 299-9935." Is this a used car commercial or something?
It's this kind of overly slick, 90's-style cheesiness that forces A Hustlaz Story to remain stuck in the bargain-bin pile at WalMart.
A Hustlaz Story proves that just because you've had some rough experiences in your life and can hold a tune, that doesn't necessarily make you an artist. You need a presence that can be felt even through stereo speakers and the solid production to back it up. Most importantly though, you need to be able to write lyrics that flow, and don't just sound like your own jumbled thoughts set to some cheesy Muzak.
Unfortunately, KeAnthony has none of those qualities. He is the generic R&B boy, plucked from obscurity to record one album, attempt to appeal to the masses, and then fade away before you can even tell him he has 15 minutes.
