Gnotes mixes different styles, delivers masterpiece with 'Rhymes and Beats'

You've never heard of Gnotes.

Don't worry, it's okay. I had never heard of him either. But after receiving a copy of the MC's latest album, I want the world to know what it's been missing.

After releasing an album primarily focused on lyrics (2005's Flow From Above) followed by an all-instrumental record (Inthrumental), Gnotes (silent G) brings a mastery of both to his latest joint, aptly titled "Rhymes and Beats."

Any hip-hop head should be on board for the latest offering out of Boston's Gnawledge Records. In the tradition of Atmosphere and Glue, Gnotes blends lush production and thoughtful lyrics to form some of the best hip-hop in the world.

The album kicks off with a hot sample: "Tom Cat" by Muddy Waters. The sample is the basis for the intro cut, "Muddy Treble Clef." And what an intro! Gnotes wastes no time in telling us what's in store on "Disc number four, rhymes and beats more mature," adding "Mics in the Jansport, CD's on the dash / Graffiti in the Five Star, doobies in the ash / tray."

The next track, "Throw Your Nickles Up," finds Gnotes rhyming over synth, strings and handclaps. A quick perusal of the liner notes confirms that yes, that's Gnotes on the fuzzed-out guitar and bass as well, providing a glimpse into his younger days growing up grunge in the Pacific Northwest.

"It's 007 where the truth is never mentioned / 'cause atrocities are committed to your brethren," spits Gnotes before going on to say "It's only a matter of time / I'm a catalyst who's shattering rhymes / against weapons of mass consumption, mass deception / saying something, asking questions." The song reads as an indictment of current hip-hop trends, sarcastically making it rain with pocket change.

Elsewhere on the album, "We Can Roll" finds Gnotes on the love song tip. "This is passion with respect for anticipating greatness /your intellect is wisdom and I promise I got patience." Gnotes is joined by soul singer Noni Kai, who croons the chorus over some understated guitar licks.

The most impressive section of the album begins on track 8. "Sun Don't Chill" is the hottest track on "Rhymes and Beats" by far. The intro / chorus is built around a few classic hip-hop vocal samples. A slo-mo Talib Kweli says "I told him slow down, he said the sun don't chill," (from Common's "1-9-9-9") followed by Inspectah Deck's line "As the world turned I learned [life is hell]" (from the Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M.")

The hook is completed with "We keep on returning 'cause lessons need learning," a line from K-OS' song "Heaven Only Knows."

The track sounds a bit RZA-ish, which is probably on purpose given the various Wu-Tang nods in the song. If the vocal sample from "C.R.E.A.M." wasn't enough, wait until the two minute mark when the "C.R.E.A.M." instrumental (aka The Charmells' "As Long As I've Got You") kicks in. This turns into a full-fledged interpolation when Gnotes mimics the chorus, saying "Corporations rule everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. takes the money, dollars dollars kill, y'all."

The next song is a fiery "anthem for life" featuring Boston-area MC Elemental Zazen. "Nemesis" has an aggressive tinge to it that combines with Afro DZ ak's ominous eruption of electronica-style keys and a descending guitar riff to give the song a Jedi Mind Tricks feel.

"Clear your focus, adjust the reception /the static on antenna's agenda is deception /rise, stand with your fist held high / to the sky in your hindsight, reflected in your eyes," is just a taste of an extended television-zombie metaphor.

This song is followed up by "Samba Tryst," begins as an interesting use of Latin rhythms to create a hip-hop track and ends with a jamfest featuring Gnotes on guitar and Afro DZ ak on trumpet. Playing actual instruments or featuring a legitimate (read: funky) band is what separates groups and artists like The Roots and Lyrics Born from the rest of the pack, and the "Samba Tryst" jam pushes Gnotes further in that direction.

So, "Rhymes and Beats" is a fresh album that utilizes a stellar combination of homage, interpretation, discovery and creation in keeping with the Gnawledge Records mission statement.

"As sample-based musicians, the Gnawledge family recognizes the responsibility of hip-hop artists to contribute something fresh for the next generation. Sustainable environmental design is based on planting as many seeds as plums plucked. Jacking for beats without bringing something new to the library will eventually suck the record store dry. For every sample we flip, we add a new layer of live instrumentation…"

That's the kind of responsibility that is sorely lacking from the hip-hop community at large and the sort of self-perpetuating philosophy that ensures a bright future. If Gnawledge Records is planning on turning out more material on the level of "Rhymes and Beats," then I think we'll be hearing a lot from Gnotes.

Everything but the "G," I suppose.

Ben Conant is a senior majoring in journalism. His views do not necessarily reflect those of The Equinox.