Rhymefest

Rhymefest: Man In the Mirror

[Michael Jackson Dedication Album]

(Allido Records)

US release date: 1 January 2008

UK release date: 1 January 2008

by Chris Catania

With the 25th anniversary of the Thillerjust ahead, Chicago rapper/producer Rhymefest has released his own personal dedication album Man in the Mirror as a free download on his website. The 24 tracks are a double-sided looking-glass on which Rhymefest, divulges his own insecurities via hilarious satirical humor and genuine artistic admiration at the expense of the Michael Jackson. Mixed in between creepy MJ sound bites turned into mock interviews are remixed classic tracks from the King of Pop, Bill Withers and the Jackson Five. Rhymefest’s intelligent and honest rhymes are what make this dedication album a two-way mirror that steer MJ’s downfalls into Rhymefest’s greatest asset, the unique ability to avoid cliché and ask Wacko Jacko to be his mentor and make it all seem like a honest gesture pulled off ingeniously by a deft hip-hop jester. Rhymefest, who co-wrote the Grammy-winning “Jesus Walks” with Kanye West, also has a second full-length album due out in 2008.

— 5 February 2008
Tagged as: rhymefest
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