Hope
Lex, 2003
rating: 4.5/5
reviewer: wolfman


The game of hip-hop can be a cruel monster. Some make it, many don’t; but what is evident is that the hip-hop game is a continuous evolving vessel and with that comes an enormous commitment to the changes and adaptation of the styles. Many remain in grandeur for their entire career and do not exemplify any growth or acceptance. Others, usually the more talented performers, adjust and are extremely fearless when attempting to keep their listeners attentive with ongoing mutations and metamorphoses of their personal style. Sage Francis, legendary for his impressive and necessary solo record on Anticon Personal Journals, is one of those evolving emcees that truly adapts and commits masterful and unforgettable work each time he performs.

Non-Prophets is comprised of Sage Francis’ lyrical cadence and Joe Beats’ bass and treble old school beats. The two are perfectly matched on their newest album Hope. But what has made this collaboration a success is the acceptance and change of Sage Francis from an avant-garde, distorted, in-your-face performer to a smooth and linear emcee. This may be a complexion of the Sage Francis character, but this stylistic change bears an uncanny resemblance to hip-hop from about ten years ago and exactly matches the beats of Joe Beats. Drawn to Native Tongues influences, Joe Beats pounds each track with heavy bass and simplistic sampling. His styles are extremely refreshing and futuristic yet remain nostalgic after several listens. “Disasters” is minimalist bass drop while “Spaceman” is reminiscent of the Jungle Brother’s Done By The Forces of Nature, with its piano loop and rhythmic beat. And with Sage Francis’ altered rhyming acceptance, Non-Prophets have released one of the most refreshing and admirable hip-hop albums of 2003.

Perhaps the title of the album conjures what Sage Francis and Joe Beats are trying to portray. That there is ‘hope’ for hip-hop if we focus on the success of the past and move it to the future.

1. Intro
2. Any Port
3. Damage
4. That Ain't Right
5. Disasters
6. FRESH
7. Mainstream 307
8. A Mill
9. Spaceman
10. Xual Zan's Heart
11. New Word Order
12. Tolerance Level
13. The Cure
14. Outro