The story of Adam and Eve and role women have in the demise of mankind has always been one of fascination. It is this fascination that gave birth to the concept of the debut album from long time producer 88-Keys: The Death of Adam. The story of Adam’s demise was weaved in every aspect of the album, down to the theme of the funeral listening party he had last night.
Journalists and industry folk were invited to gather together to pay respect to their long lost friend Adam last night at the Gin Left Loft. The service was preceded by none other than Donell Rawlings. Friends and featured artists Bilal and Shitake Monkey went up to say a few words, and the discovery of Adam’s second baby mama ensued. Q-Tip gladly played videographer, looking fashion forward as usual. I don’t know many people that can pull off wearing basketball shorts with a long sleeved button up and a tie and get away with it – however I digress. Aside from all the theatrics, food and open bar lay the real gem of the evening – the album itself.
Laid out in 14 tracks, The Death of Adam is a symbolic tale of mankind’s obsession and relationship with the va jay jay. In this case, how it changes and ultimately ends the life of Adam. Hip hop soul beats interlaced with 88’s own vocals (both rapping and singing) show a new side of him. Feature guests include Kanye West (who also executive produced the album), J* Davey, Shitake Monkey, Just Blaze, Bilal, Kid Cudi, Redman and Phonte of Little Brother. But what is great about this album , is even though so many different people contributed, their appearances never overshadow the star: 88. The album is still very much all his sound.
Being I have been around for many stages of this project, heard it unfinished and unmixed, then reworked and sat and talked to 88 about the message in each song, I can appreciate it that much more. I mean he has been working on this album for the last two years, done cut his hair and had another baby in that time. When snippets were leaked last year of M.I.L.F. everyone asked the same question, where is the friggin album? But I told people that 88 is not only a genius producer, but a perfectionist. He had a vision for how he wanted this story told and wouldn’t put it out until it was just right. So, I am very excited that day is finally here.
Sadly, I doubt much of the audience last night could truly appreciate all the work 88 put into his opus like I did. Industry heads clamored amongst themselves in the back of the room more concerned with each other, talking loudly and trying to look cool. Oh well, maybe this album isn’t really for them. It’s for the real fans of hip hop – those who long for the days when there was a message behind the music. For the fans of 88-Keys that have rode with him since the days of Black Star and anxiously waited for him to make an album like this. And for the people that think it’s about time someone as talented as him gets some shine. Be forewarned: this is not just another hip hop producer’s album.
Check out The Death of Adam when it drops on October 28th on Decon Records.
Navani knows... 