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THE REVIEW
If you think female hip hop and nu-soul only mean voluptuous, jiggly women scantily clad in skimpy lurex outfits, you must reconsider: there is a decidedly feminine side to American black music that is quite aware of the limitations that the music business brings with it. The spokesperson for this counterculture is undoubtedly the vocalist and poet Ursula Rucker, based in Philadelphia, the capital of r'n'b and soul.
Rucker is a reality that is more unique than rare. Already with her previous work SUPA SISTER (K7! - 2001), she had revealed an unparalleled poetic verve, and now with her new album SILVER OR LEAD (K7!), she fully confirms her refined and penetrating oratory art. Therefore, to listen to this artist, a good familiarity with the English language is necessary.
The sound of the poet's new album is a synthesis of electro, hip-hop, r'n'b, and nu-jazz, and the lyrics are real "spoken words" hurled like stones at clichés and conformist thinking, pre-packaged and passive, that dominate our times.
The power of her magnetic voice - through an eloquent and conversational tone - unreservedly attacks the materialism and misogyny that dominate the hip hop scene, and narrates the despair caused by drugs and social injustices. These verses introduce the listener to the harsh life of African American women, also highlighting the rampant violence in the racially driven American society. Snapshots of life seen through the filter of personal experiences.
The fusion of words and music, of rhythm and poetry in SILVER OR LEAD is passionate, captivating, and hypnotic. Using words like sharp blades launched against the poverty of thought that is spreading like an inexorable plague, Rucker offers us a subtle "slam poetry" in a personal style that goes against the mainstream of the classic Philly sound. The result is exceptional, making this album provocative, always balancing between socio-political analysis and immense emo-intellectual strength.
Blended with the participation of The Roots (Return of Innocence Lost), Jazzanova (What A Woman Must Do), King Britt (the minimal Untitled Flow), 4Hero (d'n'b in Time), Little Louie Vega (Latin flavors in Release) and Society (funk and acid jazz in Q&A), the splendid voice of Ursula would be capable of starting a revolution, solely for the firmness of her lucid political consciousness.
A singular and exclusive author.
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Summary by Bot
Ursula Rucker’s album Silver Or Lead is a compelling exploration of socio-political themes through a blend of hip-hop, neo-soul, and nu-jazz. Her powerful spoken word poetry firmly challenges materialism, misogyny, and racial injustice. With collaborations from The Roots, Jazzanova, and more, the album stands out as a unique and provocative work. It balances intellectual depth and emotional strength, making it a must-listen for fans of conscious hip-hop and poetic expression.Tracklist
Ursula Rucker
Ursula Rucker is an American spoken-word poet and recording artist based in Philadelphia, known for fusing poetry with hip hop, trip hop, soul and jazz and for collaborations with producers and groups across electronic and hip-hop scenes.02 Reviews
