"Surfacing" LP [August, 2004]
reviewed by Dstruction (artist from Massachusetts)

Just before I listened to this album, I was hoping it wasn’t going to be representative of most of the hiphop music that’s out today. As a man who was raised with hip hop, I was getting disappointed with the current state of the music. Then, I pressed play on the Surfacing LP, by Prizm.

Finally, this was some sonic refreshment to quench my thirst, as I stood in the desert known as the current state of hiphop. I was happy to hear some creative beats on Surfacing such as the dope samples in "One, Two, Three." Prizm’s lyrics stray away from the typical gun talk/car talk heard on today’s popular releases. Prizm tends to rap about reality such as on songs like "Dear Love". You can tell that Prizm went back in time to learn about hip hops pioneers. This is real hip hop.

The various producers on this album have created a vast sonic soundscape that merges with Prizm’s crisp voice seamlessly. "It’s Over (Don’t be Afraid)" uses classical samples to grip your mind while Prizm easily keeps up with the orchestra – very unique. "Part Two" contains string samples that will bring tears to your eyes.

Prizm does a great job of taking you into his world and I enjoyed listening to his album.

Score: 8/10

REVIEWED BY DSTRUCTION
(Visit his website here.)