Saul Williams speaks the truth, and you've gotta respect him for that. "Amethyst Rock Star" features a bunch of William's spoken word tracks set to some rockin' beats (literally).If you're into rap for the artistic nature of it, then you'll appreciate this album, regardless of whether you end up hating or loving it. Williams successfully satisfies the inner-poet in hip-hop heads with this one. The man's words stimulate intellectual thought...can't say that about most artists nowadays, sadly.
I'm not quite sold on the instrumentals on this album though. I suppose I'm not really listening to it for the music, but rather the poetry. I haven't listened to his other album releases yet, but hopefully they feature slightly more interesting beats (just as long as they don't take away from the lyrics).
Williams' complex lyricism cannot be matched by anyone I've heard, as of late. Alliteration, consonance, metaphor, simile - all part of Williams' arsenal. I'm pretty sure he's used every sort of poetic trick that exists for anyone to have up their sleeve. Then again, I'm not poetic enough to know that for sure. I am, however, fairly sure that most people would find it nearly impossible to decipher what Williams actually means with many of his slams.
"Amethyst Rock Star" provides a fresh and reassuring alternative to pretty much any type of music that most people listen to, be it mainstream radio, underground hip-hop, or indie rock. Worth a listen for sure, but try not to let the music take away from the art. Realize it for what it is, and you'll at least semi-approve. Listen to it for the musicality, and you'll be disappointed.
My vote: 2.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "Tao of Now" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRN9YTXEXkU & "Untimely Meditations" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMOVrVS75cM
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