Eve-olution

Given that’s it’s produced so many radical, world changing moments over the years, the current state of hip-hop is not exactly encouraging. When was the last time you heard a genuinely groundbreaking album from the genre? Where are the NWAs, Public Enemys, De La Souls and Disposable Heroes?

Mind you, all bar the latter either imploded or started to suck once they tasted mainstream success, so maybe it should come as no surprise that the more records hip-hop is shifting, the less challenging it has become. Eve’s third album has all the requisite features to ensure a commercial triumph, but leaves the listener wondering what all the fuss is about. Maybe we’ve heard Dr Dre’s production blueprint just one time too many, maybe we’ve become desensitised to the shocking lyrics, but Eve-Olution isn’t a bad album – just not a very exciting one.

The Alicia Keys assisted ‘Gangster Lovin’ is a good track, as are ‘Figure You Out’, the two-step flavoured ‘Neckbones’ and of course the sublime ‘Let Me Blow Your Mind’ (which also appeared on her last Scorpion album). The frustrating thing is that there’s obviously an intelligent, inspiring artist buried here somewhere – ‘As I Grow’ is amazing – but yet again the sound of ringing cash registers the world over has taken precedence over ringing the changes.