The Cornel West Theory
October 8, 2009
The Cornel West Theory. No, this is not a new book authored by the esteemed Scholar and well-chronicled Hip Hop “head”(though he is an active central figure in this “theory”.) No, this is not the name of a fox news pundit’s asinine ideology. This is part Negro spiritual, part Rage Against the Machine fused with oral tradition, some left over Transmat 808 polyrhythms, and a new breath into the consciousness of artivist music. The hip-hop ensemble sought out and received the blessing from Dr. Cornel West to use his name, as he and his philosophies were a direct influence and foundation of their dystopian view of America.
Seven distinct voices, (Tim Hicks, Rashad Dobbins, Katrina Lorraine Starr, Yvonne Gilmore, Samuel Lavine, John Wesley Moon and guest commentary and reflections from Dr. West himself) make up the vision that is Second Rome, the groups’ new album. A fresh look and new sound from an old idea, Second Rome as a piece of art defines and explores modern society from the view of the bible, the street poet, the politician, concerned citizen and their apathetic counterparts. As a piece of music, it re-shapes and revitalizes the beautiful traditions of the African Diaspora finding new range meaning, and sonics in which to pass down familiar tales, and powerful perspectives about race and class in the society that these forces play out and against each other in.
Heady stuff, but the music to be sure is head nod, as the live drums and instrumentation bring a jazz soul vibe that pounds a path from the past through your soul and nestles in your heart. Whether the more boom bap driven Paper Tigers, Jungle Hymn, and Durito’s Revenge or the more ethereal Second Rome or Rifles, Second Rome delivers a fantastic and focused vision of what was, is and can be. Commentary from Gilmore and Dr. West take on benedictions whether they are separate tracks or within the context of songs, such as Gentrified Chicken and Jungle hymn, redefining the ideas of hook and bridge. Tim Hicks Dan Freemanesque rants of a people wronged, with the supreme orations of Rashad Dobbins collide and mesh over Sam Lavine’s tempered percussion as Katrina Starr brings another feminine voice rounding out the venom the emcees emit. Second Rome is a new take on very classic ideas, and its done so masterfully with the care and precision of true scientists, and the heart and feeling of tribal elders.
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