Braille

The revitalized Syntax Records collective has certainly been making their presence felt as of late. It’s always an event when underground hip-hop heroes like Redcloud and L.A. Symphony release new records but the party gets that much wilder when another roster mainstay comes into his own. That, my friends, is exactly what happens on Braille’s latest album, The IV Edition.

Braille taps a variety of producers for his latest, lyric heavy offering. Marco Polo, Ohmega Watts, Rev Shenez of the Lifesavas, and Kno from CunninLynguists, are just some of the names that grace The IV Edition’s lengthy credits. Apparently he chose well because the beats and music are creative and interesting but they only serve to draw you in, rather than dominate the rap, and the rap is where Braille excels. He has come a long way since 1999. These days the passion and personality of his flow are impossible to ignore and the beats lift it up onto a musical pedestal that you’d have to work hard not to like.

The IV Edition kicks off with the instant classic “Beautiful Humanity.” When I first heard this song, it made the hairs stand up on my arm in the same way they did when I first heard Dynamic Twins and, later, L.A. Symphony. The song celebrates the life journey that we all walk through, regardless of age, culture, or religious orientation. It speaks to the struggle of life and the need to work together, be together, and celebrate life. “Beautiful Humanity” also serves to introduce the listener to the ideas that underlie this entre album. Each song becomes it’s own individual path but they all seem to return to the basics of “we are all more the same then we are different.”

“Calculated Risk” is without a doubt one of the highlights here. It has a more aggressive style to it, reminding me a little of TV on The Radio musically as it’s not hard to imagine a funky band just wailing on this song live as Braille delivers the goods. The title track hits a little softer, but the smooth style enhances Braille’s flow as he compares this album to an IV (which, honestly, I’m hard pressed to argue with). “Blessed Man” is another great moment as he expresses his joy for the things he has and the things he loves most, being sure to mention numerous times that he will always openly declare his blessings. “The Cure” is another notable moment here, reminding me in theory of old school Raving Loonatics records. Braille basically delivers a low-intensity sermon overtop of some semi-cheesy background music. On first listen it’s annoying but by the time it finishes, you will be moved by Braille’s words and that draws you back in again and again. Sincerity and passion can beat just about any odds.

Braille really delivers here. There are a few missteps, such as the cliché “Addvice” (hip-hop is a massive industry now, no one believes that hip-hop is not music in 2008) and the back-to-basics feel of “Mental Guard (Snitch Blade),” which is fine standing alone but doesn’t seem to fit in context with the album at all, but that’s to be expected. The bottom line is that this is intelligent, emotionally charged hip-hop that’s both accessible and credible.

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