It's not often that a relatively new, unknown young artist comes out of nowhere and makes an album so fresh, so competitive that it literally blows the top rap glitterati out of the water, but that is the case with Drew Mason and his new recording, "The Paradigm Shift." From the opening rap dancehall stomper, "Get It On" to the closing anthemic "This Music's In My Soul," Mason delivers what is no doubt the best out hiphop recording of 2009 and a very strong contender for finest rap album of the year.
Mason honed his skillz as a youngster in military school and at Madison Media Insitute in Wisconsin and released two solo rap albums as "Lil" Drew Mason, notably "Trials and Tribulations" in 2005. Relocating to San Diego to intern at Capricorn Studios, he did more than learn recording techniques while there: he came to terms with his sexuality and recognized that if he was to continue rapping authentically and honestly, he would have to make a crucial decision. Whether to come out as a gay man and rap about his experiences, or stay in the closet like so many of his peers, possibly garnering hits but not being true to himself. Mason chose to reinvent himself as an out and proud gay rap artist. As he states several times on this project, notably on the rousing, uplifting "Preach:" "I'm a gay white rapper and the next Tupac." No equivocation, no apology, he's way past that. He is telling his truth and illuminating the interior lives of his listeners.
"The Paradigm Shift" is chockfull of should-be hits, from the passionate, implacable "In A World All Alone" to a surprisingly spiritual "Unity," and tells the story of his journey from closeted rap hopeful to California based out hip hop rap star in jams like "Flippin It Poetic," the irresistible "G-R-I-N-D" (I defy you to listen to it and not have it on repeat in your mind all day long), and "Big Up to Cali." "No More Mister Nice Guy" opens with gay rap superstar Deadlee serving notice that "this faggot's off his leash" and he is not kidding, y'all! Don't look for us to be yo bff or fit into whatever slot is comfortable for you - this ain't no Will and Grace shit! And then there's "This Music's In My Soul" which closes the album on a note of unity and celebration, and has an awesome companion animated video that is airing on LOGO now.
Production from the superb DJ Pain amongst others is off the Richter from start to finish, and "Paradigm Shift" is on bump from beginning to end. It can't have been an easy transition from Lil Drew to out rapper Drew Mason, but he has pulled it off with aplomb, no doubt inspiring many young folks as he does. Which brings me to my original thought: could "Paradigm Shift" really be the best rap album of the year? Eminem came and went, at first dazzling but ultimately leaving a bad taste in my mouth; Common, Q-Tip and Jay-Z dropped brilliantly done crowd-pleasers, further cementing their reps; Lil Wayne hasn't reclaimed his groove; and Drake lives up to his touts. But as far as straight-up REAL hip hop, "Paradigm Shift" is the real deal. Drew Mason tells the truth about his life and the lives of others who are still pathetically unrepresented, marginalized and buffoondalized and does it with style and panache. Plus I dare you to play this record just three times and not become addicted!
