The Tim'm West Experience

And the award for Hip Hop Album of the Year goes to Blakkboy Blue(s) by Tim'm West.

Yes, yes people. Hands down.

While his previous album, the essential Songs From Red Dirt, was a blend of hip-hop, spoken word, hosue and electronica, Blakkboy Blue(s) is focused on relaying a timely and necessary message to hip-hop and it's community.

Without shrinking, West establishes that it is possible for an MC to be gay and incorporate his life, authentically, into his work. If nothing else on this album proves it, just check out "Gone" and try to say you can't hear it being played on mainstream radio.

What makes Blakkboy Blue(s) work so well is how integrated West's sexuality is with the rest of his life. It is not overshadowing any of the other content--but rather blended beautifully with it.

At the core of Blakkboy Blue(s) is the question of self-identity, manhood and the perpetuation of a false image of perceived masculinity by mainstream hip-hop. "Man Up" (with Tori Fixx), "Irony", "Unloc'd" and "Get Free" all pose engaging questions surrounding these matters...without being preachy...but in a way that can't help but provoke introspection.

West is also unashamedly positive ("25 Ways" exemplifies that). He conveys his messsage with conviction and depth, without a litany of profanity--on purpose.

He is also unafraid to show his romantic side on the house track "Soul Mate" (my favorite track on the project), which is produced by his Deep Dickollective partner, Juba Kalamka.

If it were up to me, this album would be on every radio station that plays hip-hop. Blakkboy Blue(s) is the kind of album that can shift the perception of hip-hop and it's artists...It is spiritual, thought-provoking, sexy, introspective and yes, real.

Essential listening. This one's going in my Top 10 of 2007.

While you're at it, pick up West's prior project, Songs From Red Dirt.