October 2nd, 2008 M9 – 144,000 Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in CD Reviews, Reviews, UGS | 1 Comment »

M9 , 144,000

It seems an age since we had the taster track Strange Fruit from M9 to whet our appetites for his imminent album release 144,000, which drops on the 10th November 2008. Among others M9 includes names such as Nas, Tribe, Dead Prez and The Roots as influences. Without being overly political M9 focuses on giving the listener a reality check through intricate story telling and compelling imagery in his rhymes.

144,000 starts of with a rather out of sorts intro with is not in the least representative of what follows. The mood set down by the following trio of tracks is unmistakable. Dark Matter is a blend of emotive imagery. 3 distinct styles of vocal delivery forging together to create what is one of the albums grimmest pieces of work.

the mother’s heart breaks and turns cold like stone columns,
now she’s sat solemn dressed in black beside an oak coffin

The collaboration between M9, Cyrus Malachi and Masikah on Dark Matter and Paintbrush lead nicely to Strange Fruit, giving M9 the opportunity to reassert himself by delivering solo on one of the albums strongest tracks.

My pen paints a place where misery loves to visit, mothers can sit and suffer in a blizzard

Strange Fruit paints a picture of a place closer to home than most would like to admit; that of domestic violence, heartbreak, parenthood, strife, death. Despite being the second longest track it feels like one of the shortest as M9 takes the listener on a journey through life and his environment.

It isn’t until a third of the way through the album the style of production changes with the 6th track Childhood War. Dominated by a dramatic piano loop the beat is not as clean cut but that is no mistake, the track features M9 reminiscing some of his childhood memories. Table of Elements and Saffron gives us an insight into why M9 has featured on stage with various Wu Tang affiliates in the past… haunting violin loops, background vocal samples with cryptic rhymes featuring heavily. Saffron is pre-Supreme Clientelle Ghostface-esque with the focus firmly on vocals over a less complex (by excellently produced) beat.

Arguably it is the second half of 144,000 that really demonstrates M9’s ability. We’re treated to a glut of marvelously haunting beats, with potent lyrics and diverse guest appearances (that’s not to forget Jehst’s appearance on Ultramagnetic). Maeth is a perfect example of this formula, featuring Young Rootz (his only appearance) and Nasheron.

M9 has delivered an intellegent, cryptic, thoughtful and intriguing piece of work which will no doubt be a huge hit in UK circles and even further afield.

144,000 Album Cover

More info

  • http://www.myspace.com/m9ine
  • http://www.last.fm/music/M9
  • http://www.myspace.com/jonphonics
  • http://www.myspace.com/cyrusmalachi
  • http://www.myspace.com/tripledark
  • http://www.myspace.com/masikah
One Response to “M9 – 144,000”
  1. KJ 10:11 pm on October 2nd, 2008

    I’m intrigued as to what the 144,000 is. A lot of interesting things on the internet with regards to the 144,000. Does anyone know for sure? The Order out of Chaos (ordo ab chao) on the cover is interested too. Also happens to be the title of Ras Kass track.

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