Silent Knight- Restoration

By: Ari Thomas (LifeOnWax.com)

Released: ((2008))

Simply put, the Rawkus 50 is probably the greatest new collection of artists that Hip-Hop has ever seen. That being said, it takes a lot for an artist to stand out amongst the crowd. NJ/NY representer, Silent Knight, is just that artist, not only impressing our staff with his relatable tales, and dope lyrics, but his ability to draw the listener into the dark and soulful world that is "Restoration", his 2008 LP.

To be upfront, there is nothing "happy" about this album. Those looking to shake their posteriors, and sing retarded hooks shouldn't apply here. However, those looking for the real side of the human persona, with a street emphasis, you will be more than pleased with your listen, as Silent Knight excels in every area.

Finding a starting point to review this album is tough, but I think its best asset is its production. Moody, gritty, melancholy tunes permeate the entire album, giving a chilling sensation at the beginning of every new track. Songs like "Forgotten Boro", "Friend Stiller", and "Good Morning" exemplify Knights' supreme ear, and bring the listener face to face with the harsh realities SK paints such vivid artworks of with his rhymes.

Every song minus a few select cuts like "Walking Contradiction" share the same realistic vibe, which lead to the album having an "Unskippable song" type of rhythm, a talent that many albums do not have.

However, even though I mentioned the beats first, it is Silent Knight's lyricism that carries this album. His penchant for drawing up emotional tales of his own life made me feel as if he was telling the story to me personally, versus being just another song on an album. He stirs up your own memories by presenting his, and creates a bond between the two, making one feel like they are seeing these scenarios through his eyes, such as on "Forgotten Boro", where he spits:

S.I the forgotten boro, had to murder weave, red hairs and glass jars had my eyes burgundy/ Thats where I first MC'ed, where I first smoked weed, and both in the basement.. with Joey D.. It had to be a crucial time, adolesecent facin oppression with a fruitful mind, growin into my weight, rockin fake jewels that shined caught the attention of hood rats and beautiful dimes. Buddha in my system before class, walkin in, all trashed, sittin in the back of the room/ Fuck a Hall Pass.

It's this marriage of beats and rhymes that makes "Restoration" such a nearly classic LP. At 13 tracks, There are few to no missteps, there is absolutely no filler, and the same raw passive aggressive lyricism is ever present from track one until the very end. This is more than just an album just to spin and throw away in between "big releases". This IS a big release. It's just from someone you may not know, but should get to know.

Favorite Tracks: Forgotten Boro, Storm Season
What to do (Buy/Try/Frisbee): Buy.
Digits: 8.5 // 10

Taken from: http://www.lifeonwax.com