OK, it’s done. The line between art and entertainment has been drawn. Talib Kweli is art, whereas Trick Daddy is entertainment. Common Market is art, whereas Crime Mob is entertainment. Art has the uncanny ability to evoke emotions and thoughts that surpass “goin’ dummy” and “bouncing that ass.” Along those same lines, Lotus Tribe is art.
Presently, a hip-hop revival is upon us, yielding a reemergence of true artistry. Leading the way are Bleubird, Thavius Beck, Game Rebellion, Brother Ali and Median, to name a few. Copious amounts of quality hip-hop are indeed floating around underground, undetected by Clear Channel radio waves.
But, no man’s message, be it bourgeoisie or blunt, matches Lotus Tribe’s straight-to-the-point, hip-hop magnum opus, “The Art & War of Misanthropic Philanthropy.”
Lotus Tribe’s album is a bold deviation from the over-touted, Lil Jon crunk-junk, specifically targeting those blinded by bling and surrounded by earthly excess. Lotus Tribe is slowly but surely rehumanizing rap one prolific verse at a time.
This foursome arose from the muck and mire of San Antonio’s mean streets, reevaluating their surroundings and vocalizing issues that range from genocide to the ongoing war to AIDS. Lotus Tribe is arguably one of the most didactic hip-hop outfits since NWA themselves.
In 1988, NWA’s rude-mood message of defiance on “Express Yourself” remarked, “It’s crazy to see people be/ What society wants them to be/ But not me!” Nearly two decades later, this classically hip-hop motif resurfaces in full swing on Lotus Tribe’s album, specifically on track 10, “Sky High.” For those of you perfectly content with the latest two-step or crunk-club record, beware. You’ve got a mutiny on your hands. But hey, don’t hate the poets. Hate the game.
S.E.L.F defined means Self Expression Is Living Free, a movement in change born out of the San Antonio streets. Line after line of complex lyrics spark dormant neurons and force intelligent thought through headphones directly to the brain. If it’s a movement they want, it’s a movement they’ll get.
This 14-track LP is stunning, a must-have for the nu-defiant hip-hop fan. Some songs are smooth (“Trapped” and “Human Condition”) while others are rough and abrasive (“Primitive Feedback”), providing a layer of perfect rhythms atop perfect rhymes.
Lotus Tribe, formally submerged in adversity and mucky waters, is alight, spreading their hip-hop upheavals on tour throughout the U.S.
overall, Lotus Tribe’s “The Art & War of Misanthropic Philanthropy” is a genius work of art that is evocative and compelling, spellbinding and raw. The title track, “Misanthropic Philanthropy,” irons out confusion and smoothes crinkled foreheads, serving as a powerful synopsis of the entire album, the movement and the men that make it possible. Lotus Tribe is a large, mounting force to be reckoned with in America’s overly rapacious rap game.
