Big Tone - The Art of Ink

Title: The Art of Ink
Artist: Big Tone
Release Date: April 21, 2009
Record Label: Tres Records
Producers: Big Tone
Links: MySpace: Big Tone ::: Tres Records

Rapper and producer Big Tone recently released his sophomore album, The Art of Ink, on Tres Records. Sitting down to first listen to the album, I had only heard one thing… dude was from Detroit. And unfortunately, because Detroit seems to have taken over the hip-hop world lately with their quality releases, Big Tone had extremely high expectations to live up to… he didn’t disappoint.

Big Tone introduces the album by explaining his twelve track project was going to be, “[his] ideas and thoughts, jotted down on paper… that’s the concept behind [his] latest record,” which seemingly could describe every album ever made, but Tone presents real thoughts that are beyond just “skin deep.” What he offers his listeners is music that dives into real life struggles and issues, which in turn comes off as motivation for his fans to push through their own trying times.

Big Tone takes on both writing/emceeing and producing assignments for The Art of Ink. And when thinking back on similar attempts, it’s typical for artists who try and handle both art forms to have one that they’re clearly more dominant at… in most instances they’ll get nailed by reviewers for whatever form they are not as strong at. Now when I listen to Big Tone, I immediately notice his production… Detroit style, no doubt. The Dilla and Black Milk similarities are there, and he does an incredible job of mixing the sampling of soul contributions with his drumming efforts. I found myself leaning towards listening to the tracks that featured guests rather than his solo tracks, but Big Tone is still very respectful on the mic and can ultimately hold his own.

The guests artists still strengthen the album, however, and along with Big Tone’s quality efforts, the rhymes come together with Big Tone’s production to create a well-rounded and complete project that follows the successful recipe of good beats and good rhymes.

Highlights would have to be “A Song Called Triump,” featuring today’s beloved Blu, and “Chocolate,” with L’Renee, though I never skipped over any tracks on my numerous listens. Overall the album deserves its place among this year's hip-hop quality releases and would not disappoint anybody who dove into their pockets to purchase it.