Atman [1975]

This is one of Toshio Matsumoto’s most energetic experimental films, relatively tame by today’s standards, but I’m sure it was quite cutting edge three and a half decades ago. Atman is a 13 minute color 16mm film of a seated figure wearing a Japanese demonic ‘Noh’ mask (the demon Hannya, … Continue reading

Boss – Defining Boss

Defining Boss is the third Boss album on Flophouse Records. This is twelve songs of social critique and self-reflection. Sometimes direct, and sometimes a storyteller, Boss lays down compelling rhymes full of substance and clever turns-of-phrase. Though never skimping on hooks and delivery, the lyrics and message are clearly the focus. On this release, we don’t see a rapper trying for a hot single, but a writer exposing his inner thoughts and laying down his legacy.

Defining Boss retains Boss’s rhythmic skills while adding the juxtaposition of melodic vocals. This is welcome growth in a more classic style, avoiding any overly modern cliches like T-Pain auto-tune or Kanye West chipmunk vocals. Musically, Defining Boss, is also more classic in style, rooted in samplers and drum machines. There isn’t an over-abundance of synths or production trickery. Straight-up and no-frills, being produced solely by Xavier Lazerus who worked on the previous Finding Boss and Boss Is.

Watch the video interview Opening the Gray featuring Boss.

Download Finished Business for free.