Ali Shaheed Muhammad Elevated Orange 12" First release from the former ATCQ member promoting a debut solo album set to drop in November. Title track ‘Elevated Orange’ sets the scene with a lyrical swipe at the political movers prevalent in today’s mass media – delivered with powerful panache across a sweet sax loaded beat. A tidy cut held together by the pithy vocal performance which despite the obvious passion for the subject doesn’t resort to boring polemic or over aggressive mic control. On the flipside ‘Lord Can I Have Mercy’ touches the subject of the newly materialistic stereotype driven youth cultures – this track is a killer – handling itself with soulful class and a sense of grounded spiritual thought. Overall, this twelve provides an excellent introduction to a familiar artist pursuing socially aware musical territory. A much needed alternative message within hip-hop. - Smiffy | profile  Related Links: Penalty © ukhh.com 1999 - 2003