Shareese Renee Ballard has transformed herself into Res (that's "reece") for her strong debut. The Philly native got her start in the industry by doing guest vocal work for some hip-hop heads with definite street cred, Talib Kweli & Hi Tek on their "Reflection Eternal" album and Wu Tang Clanner GZA's "Beneath the Surface." (More on him and the Wu family later.) Res covers all the bases
"How I Do"
while ‘Wu-Chronicles’
is all-star jam
Res (MCA)"Wu-Chronicles Chapter II"
Various artists (Priority)
Review by Gary C.W. Chun
gchun@starbulletin.comRes herself works with a couple of producers who complement her adventurous style, the atmospheric trip-hopper Doc (who did sonic wonders for Canadian act Esthero three years ago on her "Breath from Another" album and its breakout single "Heaven Sent") and, on two tracks, Memphis Bleek a k a A Kid Called Roots.
Both bring ace production skills to the table. Combine the music with astute packaging and model-ready looks captured by veteran fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth, and Res is good to go.
Vocally, she has a tangy, confident sass to her voice. The lead track, "Golden Boys," has a phat beat wrapped around her truthsaying about a guy who's got the look but little else. The album's single "Ice King," about the desire to break free from a lover turned cold, has a little more emotional punch compared with the other tunes.
Two of the more interesting-sounding cuts are "700 Mile Situation," a dub-heavy scenario that adds an appropriately deep echo that represents the growing gulf in a strained relationship, and the blaxploitation vibe of the observations from the stoop found on "Sittin' Back."
Res covers all the bases convincingly, proving that she means bizness by pitching in a little alternative-rock number that's hidden at the end of the disc.
Back to GZA. He and nearly every rapper associated with the Shaolin-inspired power of the Wu Tang Clan make an appearance on this latest compilation of razor-sharp and street-savvy cuts that, while definitely a CD released to keep fans happy until the Clan's next opus, is an interesting overview of some past and present "collaborations, rarities, B-sides, remixes, protegés."GZA's two best contributions are a live freestyle rap with Masta Killa they both did for a radio show and his remix of downtown NY white-boy band the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's "Greyhound Part 2," which featured a guest rap by Wu family member Killah Priest. Other top-notch previously released collaborations include Inspectah Deck's guesting on Gang Starr's stately and Asiatic "Above the Clouds"; Deck, Leatha Face and Method Man's support on U-God's "Rumble" from the latter's overlooked solo joint; and Method's and Redman's explicit raps offsetting D'Angelo's sexy bedroom gyrations on "Left & Right," from D'Angelo's great "Voodoo" album.
While there are no Cappadonna or Ghostface Killah appearances, everyone else is here, even the currently incarcerated Ol' Dirty Bastard (ODB). His unhinged persona suits the hardcore warrior styles of Buddha Monk and Drunken Dragon on Monk's "Got's Like Come on Thru." Head Clanner RZA appears as his alter egos in the paranoiac horror trio Gravediggaz (the rare "Dangerous Mindz") and, with Method Man, "N.Y.C. Everything" as Bobby Digital. (The techno superhero's second album is due before the end of the month.)
Of the newer members of the extended Clan, the young Shyheim has already made a name for himself, and his track "In Trouble" and his guesting on Two Da Road's strut 'n bob street crime fantasy "Re-Up" are highlights.
Along with ODB's latest run-in with the law, here's hoping the Clan can overcome its latest obstacle, this one with more tragic results. Just this past Monday, it was reported that a car pulled to the side of a limousine-style bus carrying Killah Priest and his associates which was stopped at an intersection in southern California, and its occupants opened fire.
One passenger was killed and three others seriously injured. Police currently have no suspects and have made no arrests. The incident occurred after the group left a concert venue.
Will this never end?
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