Return of the Rhymefest

Prior to the feud between Charles Hamilton and Rhymefest, I had a middling opinion of the elder rapper. After hearing Blue Collar a few years ago I was of the impression that he could have created a much better record based upon the talent he displayed. And subsequent news, leaks, etcetera may have raised my perception of him a bit, but the constant bickering between RF and Hamilton just made me think that they were both full of nonsense.

After hearing The Dead Zone, my appreciation of how much more capable RF actually is than the youngin’ became realized and I began looking forward to the El Che predecessor The Manual. The first track, though, was released a few months back – and even if it’s lyrically strong, regardless of RF’s reliance upon the word fag - the bit of extra production on the mix tape version detracted from the overall effect of that trebly percussion.

Either way, “Coolness” is still a good track. But a good deal of the rest of the tape has a sense of humor. And if there’s an aspect missing from most of hip hop today, it’s the ability of emcees to crack real jokes. That, though, is completely different than comically commenting on another person’s short comings – that happens every day. But on The Manual, RF gives listeners “Tender Thug.” The bar that I usually hold comedic rap tracks to is Del’s waiting for the bus while an incognito Ice Cube talks about his car being in the shop. And while “Tender Thug” isn’t as theatrical, it is easily as hilarious. The point that it relates is obviously something that RF believes – and I won’t question the perspective – but the two minute RnB style track leads into “SuperSonic.” That track is obviously a poignant comment on Charles Hamilton, his outward appearance and the circumstances surrounding the pseudo-battle, but RF gets out as many backhanded remarks as possible in three minutes. He even manages to get Asher Roth in there too.

Beyond the humorous work that’s a part of The Manual, the guests that RF got on here is pretty amazing too. CL Smooth, Queen Latifah, Sadat X and DJ Premier all contribute here. The latter gives us the final bit of production on the mix tape – which overwhelmingly was directed by Scram Jones. On “RNQ,” though, RF works through a series of appropriated phrases that Americans are all too familiar with. And while some might figure that this was an easy approach to create a track, consciously assembling this patchwork is perhaps one of the most telling instances of RF’s mental prowess.

But what makes RF a real rapper – and he talked about this momentarily amidst explaining why he won’t tolerate Charles Hamilton – is his respect for what has come before him. It’s not just hip hop – although he obviously is submerged in that – but the opening salvo of the three part, three minute “Native Tongue Medley,” RF shows that he understands the lineage that he’s a part of. And honestly, that alone may have made this a strong effort, but this emcee’s humor, confidence and thoughtfulness should only make fans more eager for El Che.