Godson101
07-02-2003, 12:00 PM
Canibus - Spartibus
Over the years, the biggest knock on Canibus has been his choice of production, followed by the lack of diversity in his rhymes. Unfortunately, for every 2000 BC we get a Can-I-Bus?, filled to the brim with beats that didn't suit his aggressive style. And for every Mic Club we get a C: True Hollywood Stories, which speaks for itself. In reality, the fun in listening to new Canibus music is waiting to see which version will show up. The decision to release an LP entirely produced by Stoupe of Jedi Mind Tricks should be enough to silence some of his critics. Still, his strange persona, weird career choices and love of battle rhymes will put off some Hip Hop fans as usual.
If you've ever heard a Canibus track before, then "Spartibus" certainly isn't much of a surprise. It's the mixture of battle rhymes and scientific jargon that he's mastered. As for the production by Stoupe, it has a slightly middle eastern feel and gives Canibus a chance to switch it up a little. While Canibus is as aggressive as usual lyrically, he's slightly subdued to fit the tone of the beat. The hooks boasts a Rakim sample that's been used before, particularly on Nine's debut album.
"Spartibus" is a pretty dope track that is a sign of good things to come, but anyone who expected a complete metamorphis by Canibus simply because he's working with Stoupe, you won't get it. People won't be able to hate on the production anymore, so they'll probably find another excuse to dismiss Canibus. All the hate in the world can't change the fact that he's one of the most talented MC's alive. If you enjoyed this, check out Rip the Jacker when it drops in July.
Score: 7/10
--Andy
-Artofrhyme.com
Spartibus
Is there an artist left on earth who isn't looking to Philly to take their ish to another level? After his debacle with Wyclef Jean, this time around battle emcee Canibus chose Stoupe The Enemy Of Mankind from the 215's own Jedi Mind Tricks to help him realize the vision he knew he had in him all along. Stoupe brings out the best in Canibus and vice versa. although it's Canibus' name on the marquee, the entire upcoming album Rip The Jacker should be a twin billing as in Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Cash Money & Marvelous, Eric B & Rakim and others. Regardless, Stoupe is the Ying to Canibus' Yang on the first single from the album; Spartibus.
I love everything about this track from Canibus' intricate, commanding delivery to Stoupe's unreal beats and production to classic Eric B & Rakim snippets holdin' it down in the breaks. There are no gimmicks or slight of hand to be found here. None are needed. This is simply an excellent emcee spitting deliciously intelligent rhymes over an accomplished beat maker's pseudo Middle Eastern instrumentation with thick ass bass and good old fashioned samples from a classic track to add just the right amount of flavor needed to complete the recipe. Is this track mixtape worthy? Hell yeah! Is this song going to be blasting from every ghetto street known to man throughout the dog days of summer? Hell yeah! Is this the rare track that raises your adrenaline level and brings on a bout of uncontrollably smiling in delight? Hell yeah!
There is no way that this song is not a hit. Anyone who isn't feeling Spartibus is either on drugs or devoid of soul. Simply stated this is an excellent song. It is undoubtedly one of the best singles this year. This is what Hip Hop music is supposed to be about. Nuff said?
babygrande.com
Review by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
June, 2003
-philly-hiphop.com
Over the years, the biggest knock on Canibus has been his choice of production, followed by the lack of diversity in his rhymes. Unfortunately, for every 2000 BC we get a Can-I-Bus?, filled to the brim with beats that didn't suit his aggressive style. And for every Mic Club we get a C: True Hollywood Stories, which speaks for itself. In reality, the fun in listening to new Canibus music is waiting to see which version will show up. The decision to release an LP entirely produced by Stoupe of Jedi Mind Tricks should be enough to silence some of his critics. Still, his strange persona, weird career choices and love of battle rhymes will put off some Hip Hop fans as usual.
If you've ever heard a Canibus track before, then "Spartibus" certainly isn't much of a surprise. It's the mixture of battle rhymes and scientific jargon that he's mastered. As for the production by Stoupe, it has a slightly middle eastern feel and gives Canibus a chance to switch it up a little. While Canibus is as aggressive as usual lyrically, he's slightly subdued to fit the tone of the beat. The hooks boasts a Rakim sample that's been used before, particularly on Nine's debut album.
"Spartibus" is a pretty dope track that is a sign of good things to come, but anyone who expected a complete metamorphis by Canibus simply because he's working with Stoupe, you won't get it. People won't be able to hate on the production anymore, so they'll probably find another excuse to dismiss Canibus. All the hate in the world can't change the fact that he's one of the most talented MC's alive. If you enjoyed this, check out Rip the Jacker when it drops in July.
Score: 7/10
--Andy
-Artofrhyme.com
Spartibus
Is there an artist left on earth who isn't looking to Philly to take their ish to another level? After his debacle with Wyclef Jean, this time around battle emcee Canibus chose Stoupe The Enemy Of Mankind from the 215's own Jedi Mind Tricks to help him realize the vision he knew he had in him all along. Stoupe brings out the best in Canibus and vice versa. although it's Canibus' name on the marquee, the entire upcoming album Rip The Jacker should be a twin billing as in Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Cash Money & Marvelous, Eric B & Rakim and others. Regardless, Stoupe is the Ying to Canibus' Yang on the first single from the album; Spartibus.
I love everything about this track from Canibus' intricate, commanding delivery to Stoupe's unreal beats and production to classic Eric B & Rakim snippets holdin' it down in the breaks. There are no gimmicks or slight of hand to be found here. None are needed. This is simply an excellent emcee spitting deliciously intelligent rhymes over an accomplished beat maker's pseudo Middle Eastern instrumentation with thick ass bass and good old fashioned samples from a classic track to add just the right amount of flavor needed to complete the recipe. Is this track mixtape worthy? Hell yeah! Is this song going to be blasting from every ghetto street known to man throughout the dog days of summer? Hell yeah! Is this the rare track that raises your adrenaline level and brings on a bout of uncontrollably smiling in delight? Hell yeah!
There is no way that this song is not a hit. Anyone who isn't feeling Spartibus is either on drugs or devoid of soul. Simply stated this is an excellent song. It is undoubtedly one of the best singles this year. This is what Hip Hop music is supposed to be about. Nuff said?
babygrande.com
Review by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
June, 2003
-philly-hiphop.com