by Revolutionary Ink
Conscience
No Weakness
Conscience, made up of 2 rappers (Brandon & Brody) & 1 singer (Lyndsay), has slowly been making a dent in the hip hop game along the east coast for a while now, but not anymore. With their latest release “No Weakness,” they are coming out swinging. Forget about getting a decision, they are going for the knockout with this one.
With 2 albums already under their belt (Criminal Chemistry & Under Promise, Over Deliver), the group is ready to make a firm statement with this one. No longer will they sit on the sidelines while hip hop takes a wide turn to commercialism. The group is virtually self-sufficient, as member Brody Mudryk provides virtually all of the production for the project. As well, they have decided to keep the features to a minimum, calling in Seattle based rapper Ka.Lil, Calgary native Halfcut, and hip hop pioneer KRS-One, all in all, making it a solid looking project from the view of the outside cover.
1) No Weakness Featuring KRS-One – 5/5
Conscience has always started their albums off on a strong note in my opinion. Their last project “Under Promise, Over Deliver” featured what I thought to be the best track on the album first. The track features the sample & drum heavy production from Calgary based producer Makemdef. Being that he is the only guest producer on the entire project, one could only expect that he would bring his A-game to the table.
KRS kicks in over the first slot with his verse for the track. Hitting hard with his first view bars, and delivering bang on punch lines, he states:
I see dead men talking/ dead men walking/ dead DJ’s playing on dead coffins/ the music has softened/ the crowd gets lost when you playing hip hop/ and commercials get tossed in/ I rock often/ no need for choking or cough/ I’m on top of New York/ like Boston
Although there were a couple spots in the verse that might come across as a little rough, KRS offers a solid verse that brings hip hop listeners back to where we want to be, the roots.
Perhaps the biggest stand out on the track verse wise comes from Brody, kicking intricate rhyme schemes and a flow that would make water blush. Let’s not also forget the heavy punch lines he delivers, making him the full emcee package as far as rappers are concerned. He spits:
Starts with respect first/ deficit as net worth/ a leap of blind faith/ I’m making sure my net works
I have listened to his verse almost 15 times now and I cannot seem to find one fault throughout the entire thing.
One cannot listen through to this point without having high expectations for the final rapper, Noetic, and with his offering for the track, he no doubt answers the call with hard hitting lines like:
So what I’ve learned/ be who you are/ because life’s too short to be ashamed of your scars
One may listen to the and ask where a singer such as Lyndsay may fit in, doubting that such a singer can deliver on such a boom bap, old school hip hop feeling track. Well, their doubt would soon be turned to amazement as she comes in with what many would view as perfection, I know I did. Just when you thought that the track could not get any better, she comes in with her soulful style and adds that little bit of extra style that one could not even be aware of unless they had heard it first.
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March 1, 2013 
2) Slip Away – 4.5/5
It would seem as though Brody doesn’t know what holding back on the production means. However, this is a good quality to carry as an artist, as it ensures people that you are never slacking off. Noetic is the first to grab the mic, and dives into detail about the long hard road of being an artist, being true to oneself, and making quality music. Immediately after Noetic finishes, the lovely Miss Lyndsay comes in soft and soulful, delivering a mesmerizing hook for the masses, telling you to hold on. She also does not take it over the top, which only adds to the likability it. And once again, we are back to Brody, who no doubt holds his own on the track. After listening to the past 2 albums that the group has released, one can only marvel at the growth Brody has shown as an artist. Delivering a rock solid verse for the track, he fades into the background and once again, allows Lyndsay to take the spotlight. The only downfall, in my opinion, is I was left wanting a little bit more from the track. Being the shortest offering on the EP, clocking in at just under 3 minutes, it leaves the listener looking forward to a 3rd verse, or at the very least, a strong bridge from Lyndsay. That being said, it is still a great track all around. Don’t sleep.
3) What We’ve Become Featuring Ka.lil – 4.5/5
What we’ve become is such a feel good track, that one would almost have to be crazy to criticize it. Sadly, this is what I do…just kidding. To be honest, this is the best feature that I have ever heard from Ka.lil aka Khingz, and Lyndsay is so smooth on this track, that one could not ask for more hook-wise. Noetic brings his A-game on the track as well, delivering fun reminiscing bars about kicking it in his friend’s basement. Although the transition into Brody’s verse is not quite as smooth as that of Noetic’s, he still manages to come back and offer a feel good verse about faithful friends. The production is also the best I have heard so far up to this point, with just a simple feel good guitar loop and some nice and basic drum patterns. For some reason, this track makes me think of a feel good summer. It’s something I would bump sitting on my roof drinking a cold one (don’t ask, yes we sit on the roof).
4) Running Away – 4.5/5
Running away is somewhat of a bitter sweet to me. Although I really enjoy the mood of the track, for some reason the drum pattern threw me off a little bit at first. However, towards the end of the track, it started to intrigue me. It truly became easier to listen to the second time around. Lyndsay also sings for the first couple minutes of the track, which is a great change up. For those who have heard the song “Under Promise, Over Deliver,” this track carries somewhat of a similar arrangement as far as singing is involved. When Noetic kicks in with his verse, the drums drop into the background, and this is one of my favorite sections of the track. Noetic also harmonizes some of his verse, which adds a little something different as I have never heard him do it before. It is a cool sounding change up which any R&B fan can appreciate. When Brody eventually kicks in, he goes into depth about the direction that he is heading in as an artist, and being careful about what he is trying to convey. He offers up bars of hope for those who may not be confident or sure where they are going. He also validates these bars with the best kind of affirmation, experience.
5) Troubled Water – 5/5
Brody almost goes completely solo on this track, delivering both of the main verses, with what sounds like Lyndsay humming in the background and Noetic harmonizing the hook. The track is incredibly eerie as Brody talks about a friend who he has tried to help time and time again, but continues to stab him in the back and take advantage of him. Anyone who has had a “friend” like this will be sure to relate. Surely I can relate to this, which is why I chose to give it a perfect rating. The verses are delivered with pure perfection, and although the hook may seem a little rough to some, it is delivered with such passion and honesty, that one cannot help but fall in love with the track as a whole.
6) On The Horizon – 4.5/5
One does not need to question his ability as a full-fledged, well rounded emcee. In the end, the only reason this track would lose the half point it did, is for the lack-luster production. Again, I have to say this is personal preference, so don’t take my word for it, as I’m sure a lot of listeners will truly enjoy it.The problem with a lot of rappers today is that they tend to rely on the production to carry them, whereas a true artist can take a beat that is not amazingly crafted and carry it with insightful and meaningful lyrics. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the case on this particular track. Although I’m not a particular fan of the production on this track, with its sinfully simple piano loop and drum kicks, I am a fan of the message, the delivery of the lyrics, and the beautiful hook & verse offered by Lyndsay, which ironically, matches up very well with the production. Brody kicks in right away with the first verse, (which I totally missed the first time around writing this) and really sets the track in motion. When Lyndsay kicks in, her vocals truly go well over the switch up of the hook, with the addition of the guitar low in the background, and she meshes her verse very well in between the keys of the piano loop. Perhaps what really stands out though is how hard Noetic comes with his verse on the track. With hard hitting lines like:
7) Rollin’ Featuring Halfcut – 4/5
Halfcut kicks in immediately over the rock infused “Rollin.” I have to admit, that I did not expect him to come as hard as he did. Delivering a fantastic verse, the only thing that he falls short in is the hook he brings to the table. Although the lyrics are great, one may find it hard to differentiate between his hook and verse at first. Other than that, Halfcut will truly impress any hip hop audience with this one. Brody is the next to go, and if you have been paying attention to anything I have been saying, you will most likely have high expectations for his verse, in which you will truly not be let down. Brody’s flow and cadence are on point as he delivers one of the best verses yet to the track. But hold on, the best is yet to come. Noetic brings his A-game to the table on this track, delivering that real hip hop to the masses, and putting on for Canada in the process. With his smooth voice, he delivers a smooth flow over the beat, bringing power with his tone when needed. Lastly, Lyndsay sings to the end of the track. Bringing attitude, and as much as I hate to use the word, a certain swagger to the track. I have to admit though, it is almost strange to hear her curse on a track. Regardless, this is a solid track, and although it may not be the best on the EP, it sure is a good way to go out.
Final Thoughts:
When I first met Noetic a couple years back, I was amazed by his honesty, kindness and sincerity. He has done nothing but cheer me on personally as I have released music over the years. He has also done nothing but improve as an emcee since I have met him. Brody has been an inspiration to me, and to anyone who has seen him grow as an artist over time. He is a testament that we are to always strive to get better. He is also a model emcee in the fact that he has taken the skill he has been given, and molded it into something great. Both of these dudes are an example of what comes from hard work and dedication.
And Lyndsay, she truly deserves a paragraph of her own. Although we don’t see eye to eye on some things, I have been mesmerized ever since I first heard her voice two and a half years back. I still remember where I was at the time as a matter of fact. I was sitting in Jay Jay’s apartment, watching the video for “Under Promise, Over Deliver.” You are a beckon of light for singers and rappers alike. I can hardly wait to see where you take your artistry in the future. With a stunning voice such as yours, how could anyone not be taken away to a place of serenity every time you part your lips.
And lastly, as a whole, you three make up possibly the best hip hop group to ever emerge from Canada. I can hardly wait to see where you guys take music in the future.
Categorical Ratings & Breakdown:
Originality/Creativity: 4.5/5
Lyrics/Delivery: 5/5
Beat Selection/Production: 4.5/5
Concepts/Arrangements: 5/5
All In All: 4.75/5
Amazing Project
The project will be available via iTunes February 26/2013