"Surfacing" LP [September, 2004]
reviewed by Teresa Voss

What is Prizm? Is he conscious rap? Is he club rap? Is he old school rap? Perhaps he's a battle rapper? The answer is both "Yes" and "No". Prizm doesn't fall into any 1 category, he falls into them all. He dabbles in one genre, gets out of the pool, and then does a lap in another genre. This could easily be a problem, as other artists with his same gift stay all over the map. Not Prizm! He handles it perfectly by easing you into his next style track by track. His newest album "Surfacing" LP is a soft blend of music similar to the blending of colors in a rainbow - care to guess why the name Prizm fits him so perfectly?

The first 2 songs "One Two Three" and "The Game of Life" are similar in their topics, yet different in their vibes. They're both inspirational songs where Prizm brags about his skills. "One Two Three" begs doubters to test Prizm, whereas "The Game of Life" tells listeners to unite in the uprising of the hiphop culture. For all you club-junkies ready to shake your booty's, why not do so to Prizm's "Get Funky Now", a song inviting listeners to get moving over in-your-face lyrics and jazzy horns. If your choice of musical style is conscious rap with a message or intricate storylines, don't turn off the CD! Unlike other rappers, Prizm has made it convenient for you by putting songs like "Lost Time" and "Isabel" to exercise the mind RIGHT ON THE ALBUM!!! I know in this day of one-style cookie-cut MCs it’s hard to believe all your favourite genres of music are on just one CD, but I kid you not.

Prizm's old school delivery, mixed with his new school lyrics will be a plus for any hiphop fan. The production (which is mainly handled by Prizm himself) is just as important as his lyrics in forming this great album. The only gripe I could think of is his breath control. At times it seems like Prizm is gasping for air and as a result it sounds like he doesn't completely finish the line before going into the next. But, in my opinion, it's a small price to pay for 100% quality music. Judging by his work on "Surfacing" LP I know Prizm won't stay underground for long. With a style to appeal to backpackers, mainstreamers, and everyone in between, it's only a matter of time until this "underground" emcee starts Surfacing.

REVIEWED BY TERESA VOSS