Poetry in Motion, Man (con't)

In the years since his big crossover, Motion has toured around the world and continued to bless the mic on a wide array of projects, appearing on records from Dopestyle 1231, Substance Abuse, Pelding, Fat Hed, DJ Vadim, Unagi and his old friend, Kool Keith. He has also been hard at work in the lab, putting the finishing touches on his highly anticipated sophomore LP.

Now, the time has come, and Pablito's Way is here. Produced entirely by KutMasta Kurt, the new album is raw, real-deal hip-hop, jam packed with ferocious beats and super-lyrical mic attacks. Despite his veteran status, Motion sounds hungrier than ever, delivering a barrage of quotable verses that will leave you hitting the rewind button again and again. Unlike most rappers, he is adept at multiple rhyme styles, equally proficient at light-speed battle bravado, laid back love jams, and all points in between.

Motion touches on some of his favorite topics, including 24-oz. beers ("We Crack Tall Ones"), the hypnotic effects of a well-built backside ("Dat Ass") and his unwavering dedication to genuine hip-hop ("Down for the Fight"). He is also joined by several Bay Area compadres, including Blackalicious MC Gift of Gab, pimp-rap pioneer Too Short, turntable wizard DJ Qbert, and fast-rising Hyphy representative Mista FAB.

In the years since his big crossover, Motion has toured around the world and continued to bless the mic on a wide array of projects, appearing on records from Dopestyle 1231, Substance Abuse, Pelding, Fat Hed, DJ Vadim, Unagi and his old friend, Kool Keith. He has also been hard at work in the lab, putting the finishing touches on his highly anticipated sophomore LP. Now, the time has come, and Pablito's Way is here. Produced entirely by KutMasta Kurt, the new album is raw, real-deal hip-hop, jam packed with ferocious beats and super-lyrical mic attacks. Despite his veteran status, Motion sounds hungrier than ever, delivering a barrage of quotable verses that will leave you hitting the rewind button again and again. Unlike most rappers, he is adept at multiple rhyme styles, equally proficient at light-speed battle bravado, laid back love jams, and all points in between. Motion touches on some of his favorite topics, including 24-oz. beers ("We Crack Tall Ones"), the hypnotic effects of a well-built backside ("Dat Ass") and his unwavering dedication to genuine hip-hop ("Down for the Fight"). He is also joined by several Bay Area compadres, including Blackalicious MC Gift of Gab, pimp-rap pioneer Too Short, turntable wizard DJ Qbert, and fast-rising Hyphy representative Mista FAB.
Though the collabos are all top-notch, the star of the show is Motion himself, who never ceases to impress with his limitless charisma, shape-shifting flow and unimpeachable skills. In an era when the content bar is continuously getting lower, and dudes can become rich and famous for doing simpleton songs about Laffy Taffy or chicken noodle soup, it's important to support real MCs who strive to innovate.	If you have a soft spot for real hip-hop and miss the days when actual talent trumped bullet-riddled hype, head down to the local shop and pick up Motion Man's album. It's smart, catchy and funky as hell – the work of a lyrical legend whose time is finally here. http://www.threshrecs.com/ http://www.myspace.com/motionman

Brolin Winning writes about hip-hop for a variety of spots, including Elemental, Remix, Scratch, XLR8R, AllHipHop, VinylExchange and MP3.com. He DJs regularly in San Francisco and runs his own label, 442 Records (unagi442.com). In his spare time he enjoys hosting BBQs and fly-fishing.



Return to The Skinny's fall '06 online mini issue