Notepad Nomad by Vocab Malone

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We first ran into Vocab Malone's music in 2000. We had the pleasure of reviewing his release (the Audio Journalist Extraordinare). At the time, Vocab was a represenative of Prism Cru; and still continues to bring conscious Hip Hop with a positive vibe; through out his latest releases. He is a seasoned MC; that can freestyle over hype beats; with a fun old school vibe. His music is poetic and energetic. His stage presence, natural charm, and crowd appeal are undeniable. His rhymes are so inspired and fluid that they almost seem unrehearsed and spontaneous.

We also reviewed his release "The Prism Cru All Stars". This album features a song by Vocab titled "Runnit" featuring DJ Epic & DJ Cre-One. Its an excellent performance that describes moving past the obstacles that life puts in front of us. He has a lot of the same ingredients that he had on his EP release "Head Phone Music". On this album the samples and beats set the foundation for his unique rhymes; somewhat standard for this genre; but its Vocabs' own delivery and lyrical style that carry the music. While he is joined by several talented guest appearances, it's his own Hip-Hop heroics that make this release worthy of your attention.

After a few years; I am pleased to find that Vocab Malone is still at it; and has stepped up his game; yet another notch in quality hip-hop. I have now had the chance to sit down and listen to his latest release "The Notepad Nomad". The album is also blessed by talented features; many up and coming artists and producers. Some notable production was executed by DJ Darryl, Cre One, Nathan Smart, DJ Skribe, Vintage, DJ Fidel Castro, and Oye.

'Hard' is the track that sets the album off. This track has a very solid delivery. This song doesn't hold back representing for Phoenix and handfulls of local MC's. It gives shouts out to many local MC's, like The Rep & Aarmon (Soul Flava Music), and Ves & Boogie of Inner Gate (formerly the Advocates). This song also introduced me to featured MC's; Emayus & Chancellor; who I will now be a fan of; from this day on.

'Lonely Maloney' was a laid back track. With a real funky beat with a jazzy feel to it; I was taken back to the days of Vocab's 'Head Phone Music'. This was a good track; from the lyrical outlook on life; to the breakdowns.

'People that Rap' was one of my favorite tracks on the album. This song was crafted to make listeners; longtime fans of Vocab Malone (and his feature Emayus). It was real hip-hop in genuine form. It's hard find MC's that have such a strong message; and remain not only positive; but also humble; and don't miss a second of good delivery.

'Roaches'; this song was funny; and had a real party vibe to it. I couldn't leave this song out. It was creative; and just flat out hilarious.

'Hey!' was a track that also had a live party vibe. This song also featured Emayus. Along with Vocab; these to MC's seem like they belong together; doing collabo's. This song would get the club jumping; and has a sound that true hip-hop heads will appriciate.

'Local MC's' is a track; that speaks on something I happen to be more than familiar with; and have witnessed myself. Vocab calls out local talent; not particular to Arizona but rather in general; that is less than original; music that glorifies mainstream thug life; MC's that mimic mainstream artists; artists that sell out for money. This track makes you appriciate a mentality; pure hip-hop; in it's original element.

'Rezurectah' is a very positive song (also featuring Emayus). The beat production is very well done. Vocab makes his beliefs and faith a very clear message. Through his music you find that he holds all honor, glory, and praise to Jesus the Christ. This song is very lyrical; and doesn't come across to strong as preaching; but rather as teaching.

'The Notepad Nomad' is a poem; performed over jazzy production; and gives a real persepective into Vocab's talent, emotion, and soulfull flavor.

'Acoustic Freestyle' was a nice freestyle. It makes you feel as if you're right in the middle of the cipher session. It was a nice touch to the album. It took a lot of style and talent to do this track. It gives you added respect for the album in it's entirety.

You can find more of Vocab Malone's raw performance on album "A Documentary On Microphone Sessions". He also has several guest appearances on other albums. Like "A Point On The Map"- the AZ Urban Compilation on Worthless Records.

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