Ali Baba Abnormal has been dissed as an opportunist and a poser who pokes fun at the Middle Eastern culture he claims to represent. Truth be told, this “House of Baba Vol 1” is a record that you either hate or are open enough to point out some good aspects. At times, it sounds like an abnormal, hijacked version of gangsta rap with its scrambled lexicon and stream-of-consciousness flow being smashed against some iconic beats.
In mockery material like this one, irony and absurdity play a decisive role, as does the juxtaposition of cultural and social references to the ones being verbally attacked. There’s no hidden agenda here, as some critics would be quick to prophesy, no clear intention to offend anyone, as some conspiracy theorists would be ready to discern from these verses, but simply a tendency to make fun of the stereotypes that hip-hop indeed encloses.
When Brooklyn-based MC Lyte jumps in to drop her vocals skills on “Dr. X”, the track is supposed to make you laugh at the light-hearted verses, even if the lyrics are a bit too focused on clothing and fashion – not every rapper has to (or claims to) carry the weight of the world, you know! And when “Head Crack” gets all political, mentioning Obama, Osama and Chuck D, again you don’t have to take this stuff too seriously; it’s actually advisable that you don’t. A joke is only good if you suspend reality for a minute or two.
In a few words, “House of Baba Vol 1” is not a work of art, its beats and rhymes are perhaps too repetitive and stale for your daily diet of hip-hop and stuff. It’s merely a record that you listen to just out of curiosity and forget all about it shortly after. If you’re willing to look on the bright side of things, it’s definitely a good and enjoyable listen while it lasts. But if you have the precarious enthusiasm of a tax employee on duty, go listen to your Beethoven records instead.
http://www.properlychilled.com/music/release/698
