 |
|
May 17, 2012 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01. Invincible Gangsta
02. End Game
03. You Don't Know Me (Pain)
04. Passion Of Christ
05. In My Head
06. D Rocs (R.I.P.)
07. Murder 4 Hire
08. Down In The Bayou
09. Dirty Bombs
10. Lies
11. Relationships
12. Mr. C's Theme
|
|
14 years ago, BODY COUNT's blend of hip-hop themes (the same themes that in no doubt led to the explosion of violence and emotion that culminated in riots in the streets) and Punk/Metal riffs was an anomaly that few knew what to make of. ANTHRAX and PUBLIC ENEMY had already collaborated on one track, BIOHAZARD was gaining momentum, but here was an already high profile rapper (Ice T) fronting an all-African American crossover-Metal act. When BODY COUNT released their self-titled debut in 1992, it had the (un?)fortunate honor of hitting shelves at the same time that Los Angeles, (home of the band and one of the birthplaces of what at the time was the new age of hardcore Hip-Hop) was going through a catastrophic period of civil unrest. The Rodney King verdict. The riots they inspired. "Cop Killer". The story behind that song is one of the most telling and important battles against censorship in America. It's what propelled a sales-lacking album into one of the most controversial of any genre.
With all the controversy, sometimes it's forgotten that BODY COUNT was a band that wrote some catchy, fun music. Not the most amazing music ever, not even the most groundbreaking, since several acts of notice had already taken the Rap Metal plunge, but songs like "KKK Bitch", "Bowels Of The Devil", and "There Goes The Neighborhood" (the latter's ominous opening riff the urban equivalent of "South Of Heaven") are certainly memorable tunes. BODY COUNT released a few forgettable albums afterwards, as well as tragically losing original members; drummer Beatmaster V, bassist Mooseman, and guitarist D-Roc to assorted ills. Since then, Ice-T has become a successful actor, ironically playing a cop on one of the 36 "Law And Order" spin-offs.
So what does BODY COUNT have to offer on their first album in a long time, “Murder 4 Hire”? Not much. Not much at all. A decent heavy riff here and there, courtesy of Ernie C (an underrated player) but nothing that can't be found on any of the number of generic Metal acts clogging up the Headbangers Ball airwaves, and certainly nothing that comes close to approaching the catchiness of the debut. Ice-T, who has released some of the best, most intelligent Hip-Hop of all time, sounds bored and uninspired, just coasting by an images and ideas that BIOHAZARD have been running into the ground for the last 12 years. At one time these themes were nightmarishly relevant, and maybe they still are, but here it comes off as a dated, almost trivial novelty and not much else. It's not a terrible album; it just lacks the incendiary nature that the hype has made of it.
The bright spot of the album is "Dirty Bombs", which trades in the tired "gangsta" posturing and the generic "personal reflection" lyrics for a look at the current state of affairs in post-9/11 America, as well as being the catchiest song on the album. It's too bad the whole album couldn't have followed that song's example; maybe then the Republicans would get pissed and BODY COUNT may be considered "dangerous" again. Right now they just sound washed-up and directionless.
|
|
|
|
