Cryptkeeper – “Bete Noire” (Album Review)
South African Hip Hop artist Cryptkeeper drops his new compilation “Bete Noire“. This album emits a very concentrated rhythm throughout the track list. From the beginning of the album I was able to focus in on the inner images Cryptkeeper conveyed through his lyricism and emotion. The artists that are able to leave it all on the table build deep relationships with their fans as they usually identify and or relate to the composition. Africa has bred the most beautiful artists and instruments in the annals of time, the rich history continues with new artists breaking waves in the new age of information and cryptkeeper wants to be that next wave.
“Set off” comes in with a vengeance, the powerful sonic sound was able to catch my attention right away. The production by Digital Beatz made the song monolithic, I can only imagine the beautiful scenes they can capture in the motherland while creating the visual. The lyrical onslaught was never-ending could have had a better delivery as Cryptkeeper kept bringing his signature rhyme pattern with emotion and passion. The vocalist added a sweet touch at the end making this track one to look out for in the near future as each artist was hitting all cylinders.
“Caliber Mercy” contains not only wordplay but insight & wisdom. This song expresses Cryptkeeper’s inner most angels & demons, showing him his true purpose in life through melodies and music. During the song the artist takes a swim in the Elixer of life, giving you a refreshing rhyme pattern. “Envy” feat Blaklez produced by Ludick Beats is one of my favorite songs on the album at it has a mellow tone lyrical atmosphere, The production is absolutely captivating from beginning to end. “Hello Despair” is a dedication to the black men and women all over the world this song gives hope to the people actually living through the prejudice racial makeup in today’s society. Some would like to justify race with good and evil which is impossible when we are all human beings with a soul.
“Riding Down the City” is a testimony to not only the city but everyone who grew up in their area.
“Envy” feat Blaklez produced by Ludick Beats is one of my favorite songs on the album as it creates a mellow tone lyrical atmosphere. The production is absolutely captivating from beginning to end. “Hello Despair” is a dedication to the black men and women all over the world, this song gives hope to the people actually living through the prejudice racial makeup in today’s society. Some would like to justify race with good and evil which is impossible when we are all human beings with a soul. “Riding Down the City” is a testimony to not only the city but everyone who grew up in their area.
The album continues with “Sinner” where Cryptkeeper explains his vanity and perception of it. The song explains the battle within and the listener takes a first-hand experience of his life as if they were sitting next to him. The hook puts it all together with a more so emotional approach, talking to the creator looking for guidance. “No More S’koloto” is about bars and cadence, this song is hype and heightens his reach as he’s able to not only appeal to HIP-HOP fans but techno and pop. “Changin Times” featuring Rapu is dynamic and magical from the words to Rapu blessing the track with melodic vocals, this song can easily get picked up for movie soundtracks, tv shows etc. This song allows the listener to inner stand that change is the only thing that is constant in life and embracing it can evolve your current mindstate.
“Billie Jean” Produced by Silas Beats plays on concepts talking about a girl who reminds him of Billie Jean, the homage to the late great Micheal Jackson whose birthday just passed August 29th. “Shine” is another one of those ear catching songs you have to pay attention to because of the melodic sound it gives off, The accent of the artist goes perfectly with his rhyme scheme, I can tell there has been a lot of musical repetition. “Smiling” Featuring Mista Maliq produced by Big Boy Traks is on the same level as the whole album if not a notch higher, the sonic sound is calming and inspiring along with the faded out hook repeating the title. I recommend this tape to lovers of music period, I loved the ride all the way through, follow Cryptkeeper on Soundcloud for music news & Updates Facebook.
Rating: 8/10
Highlights: Lyrics & Song Structure
