When they sent me their new album, 5 Year Journey, it struck me that Vancouver hip hop outfit Self-Taught chose a very appropriate name for themselves. I’m sure it certainly describes how they learned their craft, but to me, it’s fitting because the guys that invented hip hop actually created this movement & music that we all love by teaching themselves how to cut a record and move the crowd whilst on the mic.
So anyhoo, I enjoy Self-Taught’s name, but what of their album? ST is actually a 3-man crew: MC/Producers Vintage and Cliff Herman (who are also known as Cloud City Classic), and they are joined by “the soul singing crooner” Jay Robillard. After being through the album (which, by the way, continues the theme of appropriate name-ed-ness considering their last release was in 2006) a few times, I can see that their hip hop lessons have paid off. Five Year Journey is a great listen, featuring very solid production all the way through and confident work from the 2 MC’s & one soul singer.
I had no idea what to expect when I read their bio, but they are restrained in their use of Robillard and his work actually helps them stand out from the crowd a bit. It’s also refreshing when folks make an honest attempt to vary their subject matter, and Self Taught do exactly that, mixing a bunch of really fun songs with a number of serious ruminations on their gritty day to day in Vancity.
The album sounds good right from the jump, going from the bluesy Fly Away, to the almost disco-esque groove of Self-Taught Life – which features a beat from mikedecline, which I certainly approve of. There’s a wistful take on the perils of love in the form of Fools Rush In, which features fellow Vancouver MC Inkspill in one of the few vocal features and Happy Sunday is just a good ol’ thumping, soul-influenced, introspective jam. The funky disco vibes return for Post Weekend Buzz, and they also break out the guitar riffs to shake off the haters on Not Down.
If I were to hunt for something to quibble over, I might suggest that the album does seem to lose a little steam after the first 10 jams, but honestly, that’s likely splitting hairs. Songs 11 to 15 happen to be more on the mellow and introspective side and I’m willing to bet that with further listens my appreciation for them would grow. In the end, Five Year Journey is worth your time – a fun & thoughtful serving of great-sounding Canadian hip hop. Who couldn’t use some of that?
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
MP3:: Self Taught – Self Taught Life
Web:: chamberlaindrive.bandcamp.com
Self Taught – Self Taught Life