.Motion Man

Clearing the Field

A supercharged emcee straight outta Hayward, Motion Man has been on the scene for more than a decade, first as a DJ with Zero Tolerance, then as a rapper renowned for his unique wit and blistering mike skills. Followers know Motion from his many compilation appearances (We Came from Beyond, Strength magazine’s Subtext, Laid in Full, etc.), not to mention his show-stealing verses on several Kool Keith records and 2000’s exceptional Masters of Illusion LP. Recently, he’s had more high-profile guest spots, including a song featured on PlayStation 2’s “Knockout Kings” game, and a track on Linkin Park’s new remix album. Motion’s growing army of fans have been jonesing for his solo debut, and now it’s finally here.

Produced entirely by longtime cohort KutMasta Kurt, Clearing the Field begins with a crazy skit advertising the action figure displayed on the cover, before kicking into the aptly-titled “Straight Flowin’ On ‘Em.” Set to deep bass tones and mellow guitar loops, Motion goes to town, dropping devastating rhymes at every turn. “C’mon Y’All” is a super-dope retro jam, with high-speed, ’88-style flows, old-school samples, and extremely punchy drums. Other clutch tracks include “Make It and Sell It, Recoup,” “Call the National Guard 2,” and the hilariously offensive, Too Short-esque “Beotches.”

On the guest emcee tip, Motion enlists a select squad of co-conspirators, including the one-and-only Biz Markie (“Hold Up”), Vallejo O.G. E-40 (“Reason 2 Panic”), Skhool Yard’s Planet Asia (“Face 2 Face”), as well as old friends Kool Keith and L.C. on the previously released B-side “We Run Styles.”

Far more complex than simple metaphors and punchlines, Motion’s hyperlyrical style runs circles around nearly every rapper out right now. Diverse subject matter, switching cadences, and bizarre humor abounds. But don’t get it twisted — he’s a far cry from one of those artsy, “I’m so abstract” heads. Overflowing with rambunctious energy, crazy charisma, and block-rocking beats, Clearing the Field is a triumphant debut from a man ready to take over the rap game.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

East Bay Express E-edition East Bay Express E-edition
19,045FansLike
14,592FollowersFollow
61,790FollowersFollow
spot_img