The time is right to revisit an older album, one possibly missed by many listeners when first released, which has just recently seen some daylight in the media – thanks to a reality show on Fuse. Formerly known as The Lordz of Brooklyn, the group fronted by brotherly duo Mr. Kaves and ADM have shortened the band name, yet further broadened their musical repertoire on the 2006 release The Brooklyn Way. Having hit the early rap/rock scene in the mid-nineties however, on none other than Rick Rubin’s American Recordings, they seemed to have a big future. But, and as the new reality series demonstrates, life in the biz isn’t a guarantee and things got tough for the McLeer brothers, their families and bandmates after that deal fell apart. Years went by and the boys landed on Perfect Game (was under Warner, but has since closed its doors) to release a grand, though often overlooked, collage of punk rock melodies, guitar heavy pop rock tunes, and old school hip-hop sensibilities that are fun and reminiscent of good old working class songs. Again, the album is a couple years old, and do note the television show actually follows them back during the period of trying to make a comeback with the release, but it all remains relevant and worth checking out – to say the least. The Brooklyn Way (also the name of the show) begins on an upbeat, fast paced track called “Back Up” before moving into the brazen, extremely cool rap/punk stunner “Outlaw”. This is the track they expected to break some new ground, and it was a damn shame commercial radio didn’t agree at the time. Featuring Rancid’s Tim Armstrong both rhyming and assisting on the great chorus, ADM and Kaves created one of the best combo songs to be heard in quite some time. Shortly thereafter comes the very personal, also very catchy title tune, “The Brooklyn Way”, also featuring a guest – the band’s good pal Everlast carrying the chorus here. “Runaway” is graced by Jaret Reddick, and “Soundboy”, a very mellow jam, includes Bedouin Soundclash. Not an overload of “guest” appearances, but enough to really accentuate an already great record. The remaining songs range from 80’s nostalgic vibes to party starters to sensitive and thought provoking. For the New Yorkers out there… nothing tops the anthem of all anthems – “New York Groove.” The Brooklyn Way may just now be garnering the attention it truly deserves, but better late than never to check out a genuinely original album from a couple very cool cats.
For more info… thelordz.com
