(DIA011) Minstrel Speak [2002]

(original release sheet:)

On a few occasions a defiant voice rises from amongst the everyday noise to draw our attention to things we otherwise deny.  The oral tradition of the poet emerges from within the ranks of Diaspora in the form of Philadelphia's DJ and spoken word poet, Rich Medina with production partners Atlanta's deeper than deep KemeticJust. 

"Minstrel Speak" is a hard-hitting and defiant stand against complacency and hypocracy - "Talkin' loud and sayin' nothin'".  Its a spoken word challenge to those who would rather blame than take responsibility - throwing down the gauntlet of accountability, compelling you to cradle it, consider your place in the puzzle, and then do what must be done.  You can cut this tension with a knife!

A1 – KemeticJust side

Together with Mr. Medina, killer duo Kemeticjust provide an undeniable head-nodding piece that escort a voice that can only be referred to as truly ‘rich’ through a very deep groove.  This is head-nodding syncopation personified - gnawing guitar, living percussion, a rolling bass and rhythm track grab hold and roll out an aural delight.

B1 – Sweet Abraham side

London resident Sweet Abraham serves up a raw and aggressive, forward-leaning stepper.  Calling on chanteuse Lady Alma to lay the Southern spiritual-infused intro, she is the wind carrying Rich's heavy-barreled narrative above the concrete of social convention.  Jazz funk keys meet with string and guitar stabs while the bassline steamrolls things along.