Everyone’ favourite rock drummer Travis Barker (from the band Blink 182 & owner of fashion label Famous Stars & Straps) has given rap music the much needed ‘toughen the fuck up’ injection it has so needed. Outside of a few (established) artists, the genre has fallen prey to the old adage ‘if u can’t beat them, join them’ when trying to get media time for their work. Obviously we were too blind to see this as Travis has bashed, crashed and thumped the shit outta the field with his debut solo 'Give The Drummer Some’.
With his superior talent for blending music styles, Travis invites ALL his favourite artists over for the definitive cross-genre jam. With the list of guests, it’s hard to find a reason to pass over a track. Initial standouts include the opening title track ‘Give The Drummer Some’ (The Game, Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross & Swizz Beats), ‘Carry It’ (RZA, Raekwon & Tom Morello), ‘Saturday Night’ (Transplants & Slash) & ‘Beat Goes On’ (Cypress Hill). But further into the album, gems such as ‘If You Want To’ (Pharrell & Lupe Fiasco), ‘Jump Down’ (The Cool Kids’- lead single), ‘Cool Head (Kid Cudi) & ‘Just Chill’ (Beanie Sigel, Bun B & Kobe) easily become iPod favourites.
From speaker-breaking drum solos to relaxed summer-sounding rhythms, Travis shows us that it’s okay to be experimental in the studio; as long as you stay true to yourself. Nothing on this album feels forced, and that is relevant in the lyrics the artist offer to support the varied drumbeats Travis lays down. While the music is the main focus of the album, the rhymes don’t come off as second rate.
To close the album with a dance track ‘Misfits’ (featuring Steve Aoki), further cements Travis’ skills as his drumming encourages Aoki’s electronica beat to be one of his hardest efforts - expect to hear this one everywhere at full volume.
4.5 thumbs on this one. I’ll have this on heavy rotation for some time to come…
Bunk 27.03.11
Give The Drummer Some
Released March 15, 2011
Interscope Records
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