VITAL by IZMORE

OKAYPLAYER REVIEW: IZMORE's "VITAL" is such a record as the duo consisting of two brothers comes through with some head-nodding rap that's positive but not preachy. Rich Izmore handles the beats and serves up funky and soulful music perfect for his brother's thought provoking verses. Les Izmore handles the emceeing duties and evokes all that's positive about conscious rap, from Common's thoughtful lyrics to Rhymefest's energetic delivery. Even the cover is great as it depicts a suburban youth sleeping with headphones on (most likely pumping hip-hop) while a crew of zombies creeps through his open window. The image delivers Izmore's message that rap can turn people into zombies, but it also reminds me of the cover to Ice-T's "Home Invasion" which was a dope album in itself. "Vital" opens up the album and is a passionate plea to save rap: "You better not die on me hip hop It ain't your time to leave, plus I got a couple tricks up my sleeve They need to release, and purify that tainted mainstream Can't satisfy your thirst if the lakes ain't pristine I'm tired of countless albums that ain't saying nothing From now on shark rappers get confronted I don't care if you hunting, my scope's always aimed if you want it" I'm not a believer in the "Hip-Hop Is Dead" idea that's been floating around lately, but Izmore's energy is enough for even me to appreciate his lyrics. The positivity continues throughout with the high point coming on "That Work" where Izmore extrapolates on classic Chris Rock skit and equates knowledge to dope dealing: "I got that Malcolm for sale Perfect for the streets, it's just what the industry needs I got that Asatta for sale Perfect for the streets, it's just what the industry needs I got that Garvey for sale Perfect for the streets, it's just what the industry needs I got that Wretched for sale Perfect for the streets, it's just what the industry needs"

Les Izmore is an AfricanFuturist multi-disciplinary artist. Izmore, centered around experimentation and Black sonic creations, is a musician, spoken word artist, poet, writer, songwriter, music composer, beat maker, Emcee vocalist and Black Farmer.

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