CONSEQUENCE - TAKE 'EM TO THE CLEANERS: THE MIXTAPE

Listen: I had some Pulitzer Prize-worthy shit written, talking about Consequence’s debut on Tribe’s Beats, Rhymes, And Life, and blah, blah, blah. But fuck that. If you actually do value the opinions of the people writing the reviews you read, you don’t want to hear that nerdy shit. You want to hear why the record’s good. Is it quality? Is it funky? Can you feel it?
So, yes, to all of them. Take \'Em To The Cleaners is what a mixtape-- what hip-hop-- is supposed to be: fun, fresh, and funky. As an MC, Consequence doesn’t try and cram in eight million words per bar (which isn’t a bad thing). He keeps it trad, saying his piece with respect enough for the beats he’s rhyming over. And it’s a good thing, too, because the production is hot.
Consequence\'s playful, casual style seems most at home over beats by human hit-machine Kanye West, who also hosts and guest rhymes on the album. West retains his \"One Of The Funkiest Producers Out There\" title, especially on the appropriately titled \"So Soulful\", and the ridiculously thick-funked \"Take It As A Loss\". Con also flexes his versatility, taking verbal turns over tracks by a handful of other producers, including Little Brother’s 9th Wonder (\"I See Now\") and the legendary Jay Dee (on a mini-Beats, Rhymes, And Life reunion, \"The Consequences\", with cousin Q-Tip).
But the real shit that won me over was \"And You Say\". Taking on a more jazzy vibe than Kanye’s work, Devo Springsting sets up a fat flute-and-vibe heavy track for Con to spit a sweet, easy New York song about the unfairer sex. Pete and C.L. would be proud.