With over a decade of work behind him, things finally fall into place for Kardinal Offishall on Not 4 Sale, an entirely solid album that sounds like the Black Eyed Peas gone grimey or Wyclef Jean getting down and dirty, all with a Ludacris-styled delivery and attitude. As the Canadian -- "If you're looking for me/I'm 3 hours from Michigan" -- rapper, producer, and dancehall ambassador's first effort for Akon's Kon Live label, it benefits from the fat wallet that comes with it, making great use of its platinum guest list while letting the idea-filled Kardinal run wild in a millionaire recording studio. In 2008 it doesn't come much bigger than Rihanna but "Numba 1" doesn't surround the diva with the usual slickness and polish. Instead, it's an aggressive, tribal interpolation of the reggae classic "The Tide Is High" with authentic dancehall production from Black Chiney member Supa Dups. The witty Kardinal holds his own on the cut, proving himself worthy of standing next to both superstars and tastemakers, but he really shines on another interpolation, "Ill Eagle Alien" where the lines "Call me the immigrant translator/or the poor people's permanent position vindicator" are dropped over a hazy redo of Sting's "Englishman in New York." The Wyclef-styled awareness continues with the great "I'd rather have a real home sittin' on an acre/then owin' about hundred grand to my jewelry maker." This freedom fighting and socially conscious writing is tempered with hooky club tracks that never fail -- "Dangerous" with the label boss being the obvious choice -- along with cuts that are in touch with the hip-hop or neo-soul underground like "Set It Off" featuring the Clipse and the cool "Digital Motown" with J-Davey and producer Jake One. The man's Jamaican parents are honored with the wonderful Slim Smith sample on "Nina," goose bumps form when Estelle joins the plaintive "Due Me a Favour," and the interludes that are tacked onto the end of some tracks are either hilarious or poetic. How it was released at the end of a summer when it should have kicked it off is anyone's guess, but this instantly gripping, Island-flavored success works under all conditions and has the depth to still be rewarding whenever the next summer rolls around.
The time has come again. Rock for Hunger Fest 3 is finally here! As much as our staff will tell you that we are incredibly excited, fear and uncertainly always shows its face in the background before such a major event. We have worked our hands to the bone to bring you this festival, so you better believe it will be the best event of the year. Below, you will find my personal preview of the mus...
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It has been difficult fitting the plethora of amazing bands playing RFH Fest 3 into this weekly column. Because of this, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to find out that we have two featured artists this week as well. This week, we are highlighting the headliner of the event, Kardinal Offishall, and Hor!zen, local reggae experts. The only thing "Dangerous" about Kardinal Offishall is no...
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Last week, I posted the behind-the-scenes action at the video shoot for Kardinall Offishall's "Set It Off" featuring the clipse. (Jump here if you missed it.) Today, we get the "official" music video: Kardinal Offishall - "Set It Off" ft. Clipse: It sure is nice to see the Clipse in action again! This tune is off the upcoming Kardinal album, Not 4 Sale. Any Kardinal or Clipse fans in the ho...
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I hope Kardinal Offishall attracts more fans this year via his collaborations with Estelle, Akon, Rihanna, Lil Wayne, Lindo P and others. The firestarter has been active in the biz for a long ass time, but hasn't received the widespread recognition and acclaim that his talent warrants. I feel like this could be Kardinal's year, but we'll see what develops as the release of his new album draws...
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It has been difficult fitting the plethora of amazing bands playing RFH Fest 3 into this weekly column. Because of this, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to find out that we have two featured artists this week as well. This week, we are highlighting the headliner of the event, Kardinal Offishall, and Hor!zen, local reggae experts. The only thing "Dangerous" about Kardinal Offishall is no...
More >
One week ago today, the third annual Rock for Hunger Festival rocked Orlando, Florida. For those of you who attended, thank you - and I hope you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves. The feedback we have received has been very positive and I am very thankful for its unexpected fluidity. For those that failed to make it out, shame on you! You missed out a truly momentous event that benefited the entir...
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The time has come again. Rock for Hunger Fest 3 is finally here! As much as our staff will tell you that we are incredibly excited, fear and uncertainly always shows its face in the background before such a major event. We have worked our hands to the bone to bring you this festival, so you better believe it will be the best event of the year. Below, you will find my personal preview of the mus...
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Burnt |
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| 2 Set It Off |
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| 3 Dangerous |
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| 4 Digital Motown |
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| 5 Gimme Some |
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| 6 Bad Like We Bad |
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| 7 Numba 1 (Tide Is High) |
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| 8 Ill Eagle Alien |
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| 9 Nina |
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| 10 Go Home with You |
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| 11 Going In |
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| 12 Bring the Fire Out |
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| 13 Family Tree (Still Eyerize) |
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| 14 Due Me a Favour |
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| 15 Lighter! |
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Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Not 4 Sale")
