Rip the Jacker

If at First You Don't Succeed...
by: nick evans

So, what does a philisophical rapper do when he can't sell records anymore? Well, put an experimental concept album out, of course! Canibus' 5th LP, Rip the Jacker is full of deep and intelligent rhymes, backed with beats far out of this world. He pushes all of his nay-sayers into the dust with this stellar LP, which could possibly be the best rap album to come out this year. Fans of Black Star and Common, rejoice. But if you've got 50 Cent in your disc changer, you better back away.

Canibus has had a rough rap career. Once very hyped in the game, due to a poor first album, he never sold a lot of records despite lots of commercial backing. He's been in a lot of lyrical battles with other rappers; LL Cool J and Wyclef to name a few. One of the good things about this album is that he has finally found the great beats to accompany his deep lyrics. Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind produced the album, and the production is flawless. Every song is uniquely crafted in its own way, and even upon the first listen, is very distinguished and creative. But like every Canibus album, what separates it from the rest is his lyricism. Its smooth, it flows well, and it actually means something.

The whole album has a dark feel to it, like his others. It pulls you in from the start and doesn't let go. It's definitely his best work to date, and his most mature by far. In the liner notes of the CD, he quotes arrogantly, "I wish every MC I have had the pleasure of crushing on the mic the best. The history of my work will remain. Therefore, I am and always will be." At least we know that what he is saying is true. This album seems to be a part of his evolution to becoming the best rapper in the game. 04-Aug-2003 8:07 PM