So my reviews are generally... Not very good, in my own opinion, but somehow I always come up with a lot to say. This is because I try to only review albums I can actually give constructive criticism on. Being a complete amateur rapper myself, it's hard to review professionally done albums and be taken seriously, and yet, I'm going to try (Which ironically means I'm stating that this album entitled "Amateur Hour" is "professionally done.")
So with that said, let's get this right out of the way: The performance and production of this album are fantastic the entire way through as far as I'm concerned. Everything is very well mixed, and Type's flow is always spot-on when it comes to timing, and there's also a fair amount of diversity in cadence.
So what do I review? The only thing I have left to review: The song content and whatnot. Amateur Hour is essentially a comedy album, but very well done for being one. Sometimes people will claim that to do a comedy album you don't need to be intelligent, just witty. Type is very clever to be sure, but there's definitely intelligence present too, especially on the couple of more serious (But still vaguely comical) tracks, such as Sticks And Stones and Love For Those Sleeping.
The subjects covered on the album are far and wide, and range from things such as dreadlocks on white people, how it feels good to tell people "NO," kicking guys in the testicles, having a man crush, and of course, a song literally about shit (Appropriately titled "Shit"). This is one of the things that makes Amateur Hour such a great comedy album, it's not the same old stuff you've heard. These subjects are unique, and the way they are approached is excellent each time.
What's more is that Type does more than just rap about these things. He paints a picture and tells a story (Remember that song called "Shit"? Yeah, imagine the excruciating details that you'll hear on this song...), and does it remarkably well. With all this story-telling and delivery talent it almost makes me wish for a more serious directive (Although I've heard that his other albums are more seriously done... For some reason I haven't listened to them, even though I have been meaning to), and as soon as I think that I instantly dismiss that thought because honestly, I've heard that all before. Sure serious songs are great and all, but sometimes you want to just kick back and listen to something more humorous, and this is the perfect album to do that to.
Furthermore, the beats are all very fitting and well produced, and the hooks on most of the songs are catchy as hell. Really I can't even find a single complaint about this album. If there was any downside it would be the fact that this sort of 'comedy rap' may not be enjoyed by everyone, but personally I love it, and so this album is an instant hit for me.
Bottom line: Check this album out. Listen to the previews. If it sounds like something you would enjoy and laugh at, you should definitely buy it. It's well worth the price!
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Ever since hearing Type on some features on the album Irreversible by Grieves, I've been hooked to this guy. The first two albums, Mustache Immaculate and Well Known Secrets, have showed off a playful and fun side of Type, as well as a serious side of the MC as well. Amateur Hour is the definitive work of Type. The first thing I noticed about this album versus his other albums is the lack of features. Gone are songs with him, P Smoov, Rik Rude, Murder Dice, Kublakai, and Grieves. This album is 15 songs of Type, Type, and Type (although Grieves, P Smoov, and Murder Dice all provide beats.) Type is a very funny individual who spits punchline to punchline in his songs. While he has these funny songs, he starts and finishes strong with two very well thought out songs. Hobby Rap talks about being a rapper, but still needing to hold a job which seems to be common place in today's indie rap community. Love For Those Sleeping is by far my favorite track on the album, and it wraps up this piece of work beautifully. Aesthetically, the album and disc artwork are very cool, and would be a very neat addition to your collection. With all this being said, this album is a winner, and if you need a fresh breath air in rap, get this album. I have a man crush on Type, no homo, but I'd hang out with him for free, pro bono.
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