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Black Milk has mixed beats for Slum Village, Pharoahe Monch, Lloyd Banks, and Canibus. On Popular Demand, Black self-indulges and puts out some hot beats, but this well-versed producer proves not to be as potent at writing verses.
The album starts out on the right foot with the self-titled track, “Popular Demand,” pumpin’ out a suave rhythm. Lyrically, the remainder of the album hangs on by a thin thread. Black mumbles over most of the tracks, clearing the paths for Phat Kat, Ty & Kory, and One Be Lo.
Following a trend of big time producers, pushing the envelope (see Alchemist) and falling a little short of fans’ expectations, Black Milk might even be more of a disappointment. Sounds of the City was Black’s bangin’ solo debut album, which had all the properties of a classic; tight lyrics, catchy hooks over smooth flows.
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While the quality of Popular Demand should be judged on many factors, fans should be most excited about the shoulder-bobbin’ of “Lookatusnow” and the Kanye-esque jazzy flip-down on “U” and “Shut It Down.” “Watch Em” is a foot-stompin’ tempo with the animated vocals of Fat Ray and QD.
Black finally reaches his lyrical peak on “One Song” when he raps, “I know you rapper’s tired of this producer-nigga-rappin’ so I’ma ease back/Sike, I’ma squeeze that.” It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
“Take It There” concludes with former One Many Army of Binary Star, One Be Lo, who outshines the star of the show. In the words of Monie Love, “It’s a sha-a-ame” that the production of Popular Demand will never get the credit it deserves.
Download: "Lookatusnow” “Play The Keys” “Take It There”
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