What’s the big deal?
Former Pitchfork contributor Rollie Pemberton’s second album drops in Canada a year after his debut Breaking Kayfabe was released in the US on Epitaph. His first disc was nominated for the Polaris Music prize and was the equivalent of punk rock in the hip-hop world (not in the way the Beastie Boys were fifteen years ago, more so the punk rock aesthetic). Armed with an arsenal of some of the most relevant and clever rhymes I’ve heard in years (who else drops references to the Dandy Warhols, Ian Curtis and Iggy Pop?), Weapon’s sophomore disc seems like anything but. Operating as a rap record or a dance party instigator, Weapon only comes off soft during a few moments – but perhaps that’s all part of his charming plan. “Tattoos (and What They Really Feel Like)” is a perfect example of this. Weapon shows he’s human, likeable and ready to rock the mic right all at once.
Who’s behind it?
Written and produced by Pemberton, the disc was recorded and co-produced by Edmonton friend, DJ Nato (one half of Touch and Nato).
Is it worth a damn?
A resounding “fuck yes.” From the slow building/one night stand crushing “Do I Miss My Friends?” to the live staple “Real Estate”, this disc is tighter than tight. Rounded out by the old-school and genius scratching & beats of DJ Weez-l, this is a rap record made by an indie-rock kid… and it works perfectly in the club (or at home).
