Charity Starts At Home (Album Review)

 

"This sh*t don't come with no blueprints and with every change it seems more like a game you can never win." _ Phonte

I approached this with a very critical ear. Phonte has settled into his own lane with an independent label and the major success that is Foreign Exchange. Therefore, I expected to hear true blue Tigallo. No fluff, no nonsense. Those familiar know Phonte is one of the most down-to-earth lyricist around and, with the release of his solo debut, nothing has changed. Phonte never fails to get the occasional chuckle whether by way of a clever lyric or humorous skit. Not surprisingly, I find myself nodding through the whole album not just to the clean production, but in agreement with damn near everything Phonte speaks on.

The album starts off very strong with "Dance In The Reign", an introduction riddled with quotables. Phonte starts off taking aim at those trying to push him in a certain direction with his music and those questioning his position in hip hop. After the feel good joint "The Good Fight", the album gets a little bit more somber with "Everything Is Falling Down" and "Not Here Anymore" featuring a sick verse from Detroit's own eLZhi. After trading bars on the Median assisted "Eternally", the album turns toward a sound found often in Phonte's Foreign Exchange releases. They don't take away from the feel, though, since he doesn't just sing on them. The topic matter leans on relationships, love, and lack there-of, but he keeps the quotables flowing with the storytelling.

The final act features Big Krit, Pharaoh Monch, and Evidence all flexing their lyrical prowess on a couple joints. Phonte then finishes strong with "Who Loves You More" a great finish to a dope album. Throughout, the multiple producers keep a consistent sound. The resurgence of 9th Wonder and Phonte's friendship is also a great benefit to the album, with him producing 4 songs.

The vibe throughout this work is definitely of a more mature sense, making the listener reflect on past relationships, motivation, and the future. Phonte is straight up in his delivery, not ashamed to point out his own faults and how he learned from them. I appreciate that in an artist, showing his humanity and, in return, the songs are easier to relate to. To truly get the message from this album, you need to be on your grown man/woman ish, or well on your way. 

"Dance In The Reign"