On Disc

Yo Majesty

Futuristically Speaking… Never Be Afraid

  • Favourite  
  • Recommend:

BY Dave Morris   October 08, 2008 11:10

Editorial Rating:


As black lesbian MCs from Florida who rap about the joys of fisting, and who’ve signed to the same label as Franz Ferdinand — and according to some reports, Yo Majesty have already broken up — avoiding the “novelty act” tag is pretty much out of the question. It’s still some bullshit, though, because although Yo Majesty’s debut is uneven, Jwl.B and Shunda K aren’t coasting on anything but their talent. Shunda’s flow shares a saucy, matter-of-fact lilt with Atlantans like Big Boi (it’s no coincidence that the disc’s comic book–style cover resembles OutKast’s ATLiens) and they do a fine trade in booty bass and filthy party chants — don’t throw “Grindin’ And Shakin’” or the Basement Jaxx-assisted “Booty Klap” on the stereo at your next house party unless you’ve got towels handy. But while it’s a cliché for the straight white male critic to dismiss attacks on the straight white patriarchy (“Night Riders”), front-loading the disc with all the political and/or screechy tracks (album opener “Fucked Up” is all yelling but, unlike the band of the same name, no fun) and pushing the club bangers to the second half is a bad idea no matter who you are.

Email us at: LETTERS@EYEWEEKLY.COM or send your questions to EYEWEEKLY.COM
625 Church St, 6th Floor, Toronto M4Y 2G1
Film Finder
|
GO

Related Stories

Escape the Fate
Escape the Fate are apparently modelling themselves after ’80s/’90s cock-rock, and I can see the similarity, at least visually.

DOA
After 30 years of blue-collar punk (not to mention helping coin the term “hardcore”), Northern Avenger pairs the...

Kaiser Chiefs
Off With Their Heads represents an all-time career middle for the Kaiser Chiefs.

MORE INSIDE




Copyright 1991 - 2007 EYE WEEKLY Newspapers Limited. All Rights Reserved. Distribution transmission,
Republication of any materials is strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of EYE WEEKLY.
EYE WEEKLY is a division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited.
Register User