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When Hip-Hop first started in the South Bronx it was a different genre entirely than what it has become today. In the 1970’s hip-hop was created by Dj Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash in the club scene as a way to keep the crowds moving with pulsating drum patterns, and from their it continued to mutate and evolve. In the 1980’s Hip-hop became more political based, groups such as our featured artist X-Clan, Public Enemy, NWA and a range of others began to open the iron curtain behind the inner city and projects they were raised in and replace it with an open window showcasing the racism and prejudice they as African Americans were experiencing throughout the United States.The X Clan became more than musicians they became activists and the voice of a community enraged by exploitation and poverty. The Group became popular in the 1990’s with their Billboard Debut, “To The East, Blackwards” and their successful follow up, “Xodus.” The future seemed extremely bright for the Clan, however the world had its own plan. Unfortunately the group suffered tremendous loss when two of the groups founding members past away, long time group member Sugar Shaft died of Aids in 1995 and founding member, Professor X, died of complications related to spinal meningitis in March of 2006.

On January 30th 2007, Grand Verbalizer Funkinlesson Brother J, Master China, Kumu, “Ultraman” Ra Hanna, ACL, Lord Cza and DJ Fat Jack the new manifestation of the X Clan, team up to release the groups first album in over 15 years, “Return from Mecca.” Much like the previous X Clan releases, this isn’t your run of the mill brainless hip-hop, The X Clans new record is a monster onto itself and truly unique, however groups such as The Roots and Jurassic 5 are also well known for their intellectual brand of hip-hop. Speaking of Jurassic 5, the album contains appearances by Chali 2na, Damien Marley, Tech N9ne, and fellow New Yorker Krs-One.

So after 15 years, the loss of two original members, and the reformation with brand new faces, how does the new incarnation of the X Clan measure up to its legendary roots? How does the New York based group work with the notoriously west coast influence of their new record label, Suburban Noize Records? Is their music and message still relevant in the ADHD environment of today’s music? There are a myriad of questions that the group will need to answer with, “Return from Mecca,” but do they?

In a word, Yes. Despite the fact that the words and delivery have been slightly altered the message of the red, the black and the green is still clear, though the music has been updated to match today’s social issues. The album starts off by introducing the new members, which is definitely needed as the only original member of the group is Brother J, who takes control over the clan as a result of Professor X’s death. It is than followed directly by a surprisingly west coast track entitled Aragon, a very typical sound of something that would come out of Suburban Noize records, does little to get you enthused about the second coming.

Though, “Return from Mecca” starts with a fizzle, the group come right back to form with a more gratifying record, “Why U Doin that” supported by a catchy head-nod beat, Brother J lifts the spirits of those in doubt with erudite lyricism. Other highlights on the album include the classic hip-hop cadence of “Speak the Truth” featuring KRS-ONE, which plays like a modern day collaboration straight outta the 90’s. The bluesy melodrama (trumpet included) of, “Prison” which contains not only incisive libretto but paints a vivid picture with its melancholy imagery, and message sending glimpse into the modern day slavery plaguing the black community, prison, is perhaps one of the most striking tracks on the album.

The collaborations on the album, outside the appearance of Krs – One, really didn’t do much to impress, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5’s participation was wasted on a horribly crafted track with a flat out, dreadful beat, “Funky 4 U” had so many different layers that it just sounded like noise. The ghastly appearance by Coby Dick of Papa Roach on “Americans” was just gruesome, nothing about the track at any point was a good idea. The alliance of the X Clan and Damien Marley on “Culture United” is forgettable at best.

The Bottom Line: After over a decade in seclusion, X Clan impressed with managing to pick up where they left off at, and rekindling the message that made them pioneers. Brother J succeeds in breathing a new life into the X Clan with, “Return from Mecca” however, he in no way is the leader that Professor X was ,on even his worst day. At a time when political hip-hop is making its biggest outing since the days the X Clan rained supreme, the groups return was highly anticipated, however if there is one thing that “Return from Mecca” established, it wasn’t supremacy or prominence, rather it was the fact that they don’t hold a candle to todays talent including The Roots, Jurassic 5, Immortal Technique, Common, amongst others.

Tracklisting

1. Intro
2. Aragron
3. Voodoo feat. RBX Quazedelic
4. Hovercraft
5. Why U Doin That?
6. Weapon X
7. Speak The Truth
8. Positrons
9. Mecca
10. Prison feat. Christian Scott
11. Atonement feat. Jah Orah
12. Brother, Brother
13. Funky 4 U feat. Chali 2na of Jurassic 5
14. Self Destruct
15. Space People feat. Quazedelic
16. Trump Card feat. Hannah Barbera
17. To The East feat. Abstract Rude & YZ
18. Locomotion feat. Brad X of Kottonmouth Kings & Tri State of One Session
19. Americans feat. Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach
20. 3rd Eyes On Me
21. Culture United feat. Damian Marley

Websites

XClanMusic.com
MySpace.com/XClanMusic

Record Label:

• Suburban Noize Records

Release Date:

• 01/30/2007

Reviewer:

• Kevin Dank