BLUE COLLAR - RHYMEFEST
Rhymefest is best-known for co-writing Kanye West’s Grammy Award-winning single “Jesus Walks.” But with his major-label debut, “Blue Collar,” the Chicago rapper proves he is no second fiddle. Acting as the voice of the average Joe, he ruminates on everyday situations such as bills, fear of failure and family trials. ‘Fest bewails life’s adversities (”These Days,” “Devil’s Pie”) alongside dazzling, soulful arrangements and jovial beats that evoke sitcom theme songs. With as much aplomb, he shrugs off the hardships (”More,” “Tell a Story”) while flashing his sunny humor (”I feel like Puff Daddy lied ’cause I ain’t vote and I ain’t die”) and storytelling skills (”Bullet”). The West-featured lead single “Brand New” seems formulized for radio, but there are many more gems here than mishaps. “Blue Collar” is exactly what hip-hop needs more of. Billboard
