Syntax Records
2005
Elevator Music
About This Album
Elevator Music, Othello's solo debut, is not as much a solitary studio soirée as an excuse for a party, and one with a sizable guest list. Invitations were sent to the rapper's old cohorts, of course, and they all showed up, with much of the cream of the Christian hip-hop scene also making appearances. With the party people sharing out the mike and the production duties, you'd expect this set to sound highly eclectic. And you'd be wrong, for everyone involved seems to be digging the same vibes, and regardless of the diversity of styles the album feels surprisingly coherent. The aura is decidedly chill and the preferred genres are jazz and R&B, with blues, '60s soul, and funk edging many of the numbers. The album title obviously plays on these relaxed and relaxing atmospheres within, on music that is easy on the ears, as well as many uplifting themes. Othello drives that point home both on the title track and "Floor One," with its message "to elevate" one's self. The rapper effectively proselytizes on "Organic," and delivers his personal manifesto on "Heart" in combination with Destro. Both numbers also involve Nickels, who provides scratches or production on a clutch of numbers.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,6,8,9,10,12,13,14 and 15)

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