"Surfacing" LP [August, 2004]
reviewed by Treason for Hiphopcrib.com

Pros: Quality, continuity, great lyrics and rapping
Cons: Some songs catchy but fail to leave a mark
Score: 8/10
Recommend? Yes.

Wow. I was not too sure how I would react to Prizm's album, because from what I have heard of this young emcee I hadn't been able to form a true opinion on him. Once I put this album on, I did my usual ritual of skipping song to song, trying to find get a feel for the album and seeing if there is anything that I HAVE to make sure I listen to in full later. To my surprise there were a couple songs that made me stop my ritual and just listen to them. Right off the bat, I was interested in “The Game of Life” - being a huge reggae fan, I loved the heavy bass and reggae guitar licks.

The production on this whole album was top notch. Luckily, Prizm was up to the challenge of matching the tightness and intensity of the beats with his insightful lyrics and smooth flow. The thing that really impressed me about Prizm was his ability to spill his inner thoughts and feelings over tracks. In an industry where most rappers frown upon showing any emotion, Prizm lets it all out, without seeming whiney or pussified. But the whole album is not emotional, if you’re looking for something fun to blast, there are plenty of tracks that will do that for you such as “Get Funky Now,” a fun bouncy track encouraging you too...well what else? Get Funky NOW!! At the end of the day I still like the insightful side of Prizm best and must say my favourite track is “All I Want.” The beat really sets the tone with a sort of sad, soft feel and Prizm dances around with that beat with his lyrical stylings perfectly. This whole album seems to flow seamlessly, and is something that you can just hit start and listen to all the way through. I see great things in the future for this Canadian emcee, and am not surprised by any means that this sophomore effort has already sold out.

REVIEWED BY TREASON
(Article online here.)