Album Notes

As the international movement continues in pursuit for freedom, and equality for the masses, a new breed of politically inspired hip-hop continues to spread in 2006 – a breed of revolutionary hip-hop. Hip-hop dedicated to one thing – social change. At the frontline of this movement musically are many talented artists, mostly considered “underground” or “non-mainstream,” but there is one artist determined to take his message above and beyond borders – his name is Scholar.

To follow up the classic group effort “The Love Freedom Movement,” that was released earlier this year with label mate TrueBLESS, Scholar presents to you now “The X Files” – another unforgettable album containing 14 hot tracks that should leave you in a state of self-determination after listening. Scholar paints an exquisite portrait of the current state of the world and how it can improve using exceptional lyrics as his brushes and innovative beats as his paint. In the end the album is none the less a masterpiece, which should get regular rotation in your CD decks if you love classic hip-hop music with a message.

With the exception of three of the tracks on “The X Files” – Scholar produces the bulk of the album, creating a unique style of production that can be compared to the likes of Pete Rock, 9th Wonder and the late Jay Dilla. The inspiration is clear within the production, to respect the old but keep with the new without losing sight of what’s important, “good head-nod music.” From heavy drums to crisp snares in conjunction with smooth bass-lines and sample chops, Scholar’s songs flow with consistency like waves during a calm night at sea.

Lyrically, Scholar’s motivation is to be “blunt” with his listeners, speaking on various topics that include the United States government, poverty, racial discrimination, violence and how minorities are “alienated” – thus the main reason for the title “The X Files.” Scholar incorporates the efforts of the late great Malcolm X in the tile of the CD as well, using the deceased leader as an inspiring factor to push listeners to get up, get out and do something (not to mention the design of the CD cover). As he simply put it, “…let’s re-open the file where Brother X left off..,” on the intro track “Freedom.” Other break-out tracks include “How Many Times,” Right Now” and “Demand And Take.”