By Odeisel

There has been a slew of white rappers flooding the market in the past two years, many of whom are novelty acts with good PR firms behind them. Canadian rapper Classified is the genuine article with a decade-long career and platinum sales. He returns to the game with his latest album Handshakes and Middle Fingers, a return to his core art, with some strong guest appearances and solid production.

The guests on the album do their part to add different flavor to the festivities.  Joe Budden’s contribution, “Unusual” finds him getting off the mat, persevering through the words of haters and naysayers with his trademarked underdog swagger. Classified’s two part rhyme scheme in the first verse and macho talk over a flute-flavored track provide the perfect entre to Brother Ali’s cherry on top flow. The Bali-infused rhythm on the track and the scratched in ad lib make for a chicken and waffle opposite attract combo that’s a certified winner.

“They Don’t Know” with its soul sample powered hook, features Classified’s younger brother White Mic. Classy chronicles his rise and tells how fans don’t allow you to grow even though your experiences change with success. Baby brother shares his love for Hip-Hop even though it’s predominantly a Black art form. Thankfully he doesn’t try to be black or engages in the “nigga” talk but just shows love and delivers as himself.

The slow and hazy “The Hangover” brings the album to a close as Classified searches for redemption over drowsy synth and slow patterned snare drums.  He seeks to escape the reality of a hangover by staying high. Guest rhymers Kayo and Jim Cuddy keep the repentant them albeit a little more literal when it comes to being drunk and living the tour life.

When left to his own devices, Classified is able to paint a picture of himself as a steady, confident veteran MC who is content with his status but pushes himself higher. There is a clear bent on this record to return to the core sensibilities that helped him begin his journey. He may have been a bit uncomfortable with the latest career heights achieved on his previous album; acknowledgement becomes notoriety and the comfort zone of anonymity erodes.

That feel is evident on the guitar driven romp “That Ain’t Classy” where Classified is clearly trying to wall himself off from the forces that turn honest artists into Hollywood assholes. He rhymes: “Yeah I seen the bright lights ever so vividly, partied with the star types and mingled with the industry. But geez, we don’t need another heroes, I relate to real people not these self-centered weirdos.” That high life numbness filters through “Desensitized” as the rapper deals with the monsters fo fame and prepares for the fact that he’s growing past his Canuck boundaries.

The groovy piano of “Danger Bay” speaks to the absence of love and the growing cynicism of a world where “athletes and entertainers are more valued than doctors and educators.” Class presents a  serious inspection of society noting the lack of faith in most and the war mongering in the name of faith by those who claim to possess it.

All isn’t doom and gloom. “Passion” is an open expression of his love with the music with a dope DMC samples, blaring brass and wind instruments from the flute to violin samples. There are so many moving parts to this up tempo track and a solid R&B chorus.

In all, there are a few items of filler, but Handshakes and Middle Fingers is a solid piece of work that showcases the range of a well-rounded rapper. His love of the music and culture is evident, as is his disdain for the extra additives of fame and bullshit. It’s not a transcendent work or a conversion album, but if you are receptive, you will definitely go away impressed with Classified. I choose the handshake over the middle finger.

That Ain’t Classy
  out of 5

Follow Odeisel on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/odeisel

Follow Us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/planetill

Join Us on the Planet Ill Facebook Group for more discussion

Follow us on Networked Blogs