Kurious is a 54-year-old MC from the Upper Westside of Manhattan, New York who originally performed under the moniker Kurious Jorge. He later signed to Columbia Records 3 decades ago for his underrated debut full length album. A constipated monkey after shortening the stage name, returning 15 years later for her sophomore independent effort II followed by two EPs: Concrete jungle & Monkey Man. However, for his 3rd LP, Kurious signed a new deal with Rhymesayers Entertainment and the late underground icon MF DOOM who oversaw its creation before his untimely death.
“Unknown Species” opens with this playful jazzy intro that hits you with that funky new shit, while “Untainted” puts more emphasis on the funk music by organically talking about how the streets are as promoting as they are crime-ridden. “Tis the Season” feels mentally compelled to spit out the smartest logical guide to “Eye of Horus” conveying urgency by weaving an intricate tapestry of story and insight in the middle of the duck and under every pocket of rhythm.
As for “1984”, we have Kurious over a sample throwing it back 4 decades before lyrically picking up his b-boy bag just before “Teach & Forgive” brings a dusty boom bam flare to the table that speaks for everyone they bring sinners and refers to the Earth as primary. “Separation Anxiety” happens to be a personal bleed in the form of a lyrical exercise over that raw synth instrumental, but then “Cow's Eye” connects some horns to talk about feeling empty in the heart and burning in the stomach . of the game.
“Bacalao Opera” jumps over a vocal sample and charges it with protecting his inner vision while “Majical Journey” brings back the synths talking about respecting time so that it finally respects us. “Barry Gibb” keeps a keen ear for on-screen sampling, treating his people like family, and “Par for the Course” with Mr. Fantastik doing drum breaks from the early Reagan era sounds completely reinvigorated , keeping this thing crashing 'em.
The penultimate song “Open” featuring Homeboy Sandman is coming to an end Magician. with both MCs at the top of this drumless beat wanting to know what exactly is the motivation that brings back an unpleasant or embarrassing past experience that others would rather forget right after the break of “Majic”, the closer the ” Come Back” has that symphonic vibe that I like to appeal to those who want the reward and never crave the chaos.
A fascinating blend of technical wizardry and personal introspection, Kurious' groundbreaking work on his Rhymesayers debut cements his place as one of the premier MCs of his time, as he establishes his long-deserved legacy and removes any ambiguity from inquiry. on whether he can stand as one of the top MCs of his time. Mono En Stereo's production is nostalgically reminiscent of DOOM's material, and Kurious himself amps up his lyrics compared to his previous EPs.
Rating: 8/10