October 22, 2014

Black Sheep "A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing" (HHC, 1991)


"Two things have been further clarified by the release of this long-awaited album. One, a sizeable chunk of hip-hop has dispensed with the 'immediate attention grabbing' beats of the past, together with a shift of emphasis toward the content of the lyrics and the common themes running throughout the album. The Leaders of the New School's "Future Without A Past" is an example, as are KMD's "Mr Hood" and Quest's "Low End Theory." "A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing" can be added to the list. Forget searching for a hype dancefloor filling album and instead tune in to an excellent and unique selection of breaks (with an emphasis on jazz-funk like the SOS Band) and lyrics that are purposefully not conscious; "I kick about things that I know about," says Dres to two hypocritical knife wielding 'conscious' thugs in "Are You Mad?" - just one of many hilarious musical sketches throughout the LP." Check out the video to their smash hit, "Choice Is Yours" and more, cont'd....


"The second issue becoming clearer is more delicate. As self-confessed "Doo-doo eating, vomit tasting, pre-marital sex" havers, the Black Sheep are unashamedly sexist - "Ho is merely short for honey" Dres retaliates on "LASM." "We've dropped the 'nee', so why don't you drop to yours!" I'm sorry, but I just can't help chuckling at quips like that! And as it looks like the 'dissing women' factor is here to stay the best defence is to diss straight back - as MC Lyte and Yo Yo have done so well! The Black Sheep are lyrically adept and after it sinks in, you're sure to be hooked to this album ... that is if you're a 'black sheep' kinda person too!" - Hip-Hop Connection, 1991. Love this album!


If you're interested, you can check out a copy of the full review below...