Mareko - White Sunday
After the success of The Deceptikonz debut album Elimination, Mareko re-emerges with his solo album. Released through Dawn Raid/Universal, the 16-track CD features rap heavyweights from the US including Inspectah Deck, Scram Jones, Sadat X and Celph Titled. Powerful production is also provided by the Ghetto Pros, Roc Raida of the X-ecutioners, The Liks, The Beatnuts and local heroes, P Money, DJ Shan, J Chong Nee, Emile and Conchise. Not a bad line up at all, but isn't this Mareko's album? Well, nine songs have guest artists featuring vocally. Featuring the hit Mareko (Here to Stay), and Major Flavour which was included in DJ Sir Vere's compilation series, as a whole the album flows very nicely indeed - going through phases of aggression, then smoothing out to a Sunday lazy feel. The tracks produced here, including my favourites, City Line and Legacy, come across more genuine and better suit Mareko's style. But then again, he proves that you cannot generalise, and moulds his flow to embrace the outside contributors' content. Espionage and Don't Need Protection battle out haters with a passion, where My Lady tributes his family and Legacy describes the birth of the Deceptikonz. Oh Sh** may be the only filler, with its repetitive beat and uninspiring chorus. White Sunday is an enjoyable listen and has something for everybody.
By Andrew Hughes
Review kindly provided by NZ Musician magazine
