BLACKLIGHT
Rating: 7.63
Release: May 2011
Reach Records
They say iron sharpens iron. And that is certainly the case when it comes to the cast at Reach Records, who seem to be pushing each other to get better and better with each subsequent release.
As a lyricist, Tedashii has never been a slacker. But on prior albums, he often seemed stuck in a proverbial comfort zone with his beats and rhymes. Like Lecrae did with Rehab last fall, T-Dot has taken a big step up in his overall sound, experimenting with numerous styles and rhyming patterns on his third effort.
Nowhere is this more evident than on the tear-jerker, "Last Goodbye," which showcases the fear and pain of two families watching their loved ones get deployed overseas, unsure if they will ever see them again. Another pleasant surprise is "Finally", a collaboration with worship band Shane & Shane that shows God's people awaiting His return.
Of course, there are also plenty of the hard-hitting tracks that Tedashii fans have gotten accustomed to, highlighted by "Riot", "Need It Daily" and "Burn This House Down."
At 16 songs, BlackLight is a little bit long and does tend to lose some steam in the middle. Still, those who enjoyed Kingdom People and Identity Crisis should be very pleased with another strong effort from Tedashii - possibly his best yet.
Quote, "Can't Get With You":
I am just a man with a name from Japan, in a war like Iran, when they fought though I ran, though I stand man confused, I don’t know who I am, as they tricked me like a scam
into their army, Uncle Sam, I don’t wanna talk about it, get into it but I’m in it, born with it like my image as they long for something vintage
Tracklisting:
- Riot
- Rock a Bye Baby
- Need It Daily
- Can't Get With You
- That Will Be the Day
- This Is the Life
- Last Goodbye
- He Lives
- Go Until I'm Gone
- Get Up
- Burn This House Down
- Finally
- You Know What It Is
- Dum Dum
- Reverse
- Bravo
Video: "Need It Daily"
