Having made a huge splash as the voice fronting some of DJ Format’s tunes and as the partner in rhyme of DJ Fase, MC Abdominal steps out with his debut solo album. It sees his mates return to production duties but also features the likes of Cut Chemist and Ugly Duckling’s Young Einstein on the beats and 2003 world DMC champ DJ Dopey on the cuts.

But, of course, one of the main selling points is meant to be this Toronto MC’s clever and often funny lyrics and his verbal gymnastics. Now, to be honest, this isn’t Abdominal’s best ever work: there aren’t as many laugh out loud moments or as many mind-blowing, quickfire deliveries that you may have hoped for, and any fans will have heard most of the sounds on offer here. Maybe it will be more exciting if you haven’t heard his previous work.

Having said that, while most of this album is good but not great and won’t change the musical world even if it does provide a distracting listen to lovers of that funky, underground hip hop sound championed by artists like Jurassic 5, Ugly Duckling, and DJ Format, it is still cleverer than most commercial rap and slicker than a lot of underground artists and, so, demands a listen from anyone this way inclined.

Plus, there are some real stand out tracks such as the tongue-twisting yet funky Abdominal Workout and the f*** off attitude, staccato raps, and killer beats of Big Track and the first single’s B side, Radio Friendly, both of which are guaranteed to get you nodding your head while chuckling to yourself.

So, maybe don’t expect too much, just sit back and enjoy yourself to a better than average hip hop album. Lord knows they’re rare enough.

Rating: 7/10

For comments on this review go to:
http://www.teknoscape.com.au/forums/showthread.php?p=1400980

Tracklist:
1. Escape 
2. Breathe Later 
3. T Ode - Abdominal & Notes To Self 
4. Pedal Pusher 
5. Open Relationship 
6. Radio Friendly 
7. Heaven's Demon 
8. Big Track 
9. Abdominal Workout 
10. Sex With Girls (Skip This One Mom) 
11. Walk Left/Stand Right 
12. Girl Shit 
13. Flyer Antics 
14. Flutter 
15. While You Sleep 

This was a RTRFM Full Frequency album feature.

Label: Antidote/Inertia