LITTLE ROCK — Errol "E-Dubb" Westbrook Errol Westbrook(Tall Guy/Key Ingredient/ Naked Eye) Hip-hopAArkansas just got a lot closer to a big splash on the national scene with the self-titled solo debut from Errol "E-Dubb" Westbrook. Westbrook, aided by the masterful strokes of Thomas "Big Keys" Booth behind the keyboards has created the definitive album for the summer of 2008.
Westbrook, who along with Antoinne "Big Dolla" Williams makes up the duo A-State Hustlers, fires his opening salvo and it is fiyah.
The lead single, "She's Bad," is flawless. E-Dubb, aka young Mr. Raspy, laces listeners with snug lyrics over an impeccable track from Big Keys.
Whether you're working up a sweat at the club or bending corners in your ride, "She's Bad" is a certified banger who has the capabilities of wearing out your repeat button.
Dubb slows it down a bit on "I Be Gettin It," a track that has all the makings of 'hood classics like DJ Quik's "Tonite" and Snoop's "Doggy Dogg World." On the audacious "Already" E-Dubb and S.L. Jones go verse for verse with one of the true heavyweights in the game, Killer Mike. The fact that they more than hold their own alongside an MC who once bested the legendary Outkast is proof positive that this album is certified.
Standout tracks abound, including the undoubting, swaggering "I'm A Boss," the rider anthem "Reppin," which features the prolific 607 as well as North Little Rock's Mac B, and the hustler's theme "Certified Hustler," which shows off producer Mr. Big Shae. The fast-paced "Let's Go" further illustrates E-Dubb'sprowess as a lyricist, and on "Gotta Have U" the gentle intonations of Gina Gee provide a fantastic balance to E-Dubb and Playa Mone.
Other standout guest spots include the Natural State's RoccaFelon and Big Drew on the formidable "How My Day Go." Here Keys puts together a track out of rugged piano chords, majestic horns and penetrating drums. E-Dubb's distinctive, gruff voice and sharp lyrical ability serve as the perfect artistic instrument, providing bold, unique strokes over a magnificent canvas supplied by the musical genius of Big Keys.
This album has it all and if you want to be able to say, "I remember himwhen," then you better hear it now.
- SHON McPEACEAlejandro Escovedo Real Animal(Back Porch Records) Roots rockB+A roots-rock legend based in Austin, Texas, Alejandro Escovedo cowrote his latest effort, Real Animal with former Green on Red guitarist Chuck Prophet. Escovedo displays his mastery of midtempo rockers ("Sister Lost Soul") and heartfelt ballads ("Slow Down") as well ashard-rocking tunes like the raucous "Chelsea Hotel," which recounts the aftermath of Nancy Spungen's stabbing death in the New York hotel.
The disk is sprinkled with songs about the artist's escapades in punk, cowpunk and rock 'n' roll bands, adding an extra edge to the proceedings. Escovedo continues to polish his credentials as one of rock's great contemporary songwriters; in a more perfect world the delightfully upbeat "Always a Friend" would shoot to the top of the charts.
- KIRK MONTGOMERYAngela Brook Stop the World forLove (self-released) FolkB+Northwest Arkansas singer/songwriter Angela Brook has released her first record. Her voice resembles a hybrid of Ani DiFranco and the Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan.
Besides her memorable vocal style, she possesses a penchant for sweet, enchanting melodies. "Turning Blue," a perky tune about longing, finds Brook giving a rapid-fire vocal delivery throughout the verses. The melody of "Brightlights" borrows from Chicago's "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" but retains its own musical identity. "Forgotten Street," a song about overcoming the past and personal demons, is the most powerful track on the record.
Much of the album is acoustic, which limits the potential of the songs. However, Brook is still a budding songwriter who is nowhere close to her peak. By expanding the tracks to a full band, she can make a name for herself as a songwriter to watch.
- KODY FORD
Style, Pages 60 on 06/22/2008