[All(130)] A(5)  B(14)  C(10)  D(7)  E(7)  F(6)  G(3)  H(3)  I(3)  J(8)  K(3)  L(5)  M(7)  N(3)  O(3)  P(11)  Q(2)  R(3)  S(12)  T(6)  U(1)  V(1)  W(1)  X  Y(2)  Z(3)  

Zimbabwe Legit "House of Stone" Akim and Dumi Right of Zimbabwe Legit were destined for the history books as one of the first African Hip Hop groups to drop on a major American label. Unfortunately dark clouds emerged, the label went under and an unlucky thirteen years passed before Brothers From the Mother saw the light of day. Much like Raw Produce, the group of Pro Se Recordings bigwig and ZL collaborator Cadence, the 90's had other plans. House of Stone's foundation signifies a new era for the pioneers with African tradition firmly in tow, layered with Jazzy textures and cameos by legends that might have you asking which borough they're from, not which continent. The name of the game of House of Stone seems to be guests, guests and more guests. In fact, the lively "Gotta Do" stands as the lone platform for Dumi and Akim to get busy uninterrupted. The roster includes artists that made their mark both prior to and during Zimbabwe Legit's decade layoff. They'll transport you all the way back to the 80's with "Where I'm At" featuring Mike G of the Legendary Jungle Brothers, plus the larger-than-life Chubb Rock joins Vast Aire as they attempt to "Wake 'Em Up". Legendary is one term that could be tossed around several times in this review. House of Stone's lyrical content is often intended to inspire, uplift and educate, whether it's overcoming struggle on "Vicious Cycle" co-starring YZ and Emskee, or reclaiming Hip Hop with the help of Cadence, Breez Evahflowin' and Apani. As soon as the infectious piano drops, "Evil That Men Do" shines amongst the pack. Prince Po delivers but it's Stic Man's verse that strikes a nerve. "They say it's wrong to steal a loaf of bread off of the shelf, I say it's wrong to have bread and keep it all for yourself." If you're wondering where their African heritage comes into play, it's an ever-present aspect of the music. The most unique posse cut is indisputably "All Over the Map" featuring the African All Stars, spanning cultures, continents and languages. The LP is peppered with a few inconsequential yet brief skits such as a Vast Aire voicemail, although the tribal chanting of "Mfowethu" serves as a superior segue. The "More Damage" and "The Smoke That Thunders" instrumentals at the tail-end of House of Stone would have been better suited as shorter interludes in the heart of the album. Wrapping things up are a couple of remixes to extend the party. The Khz Remix of "Take Back the Mic" provides a darker look than Cadence's original, while the reworking of "No Mercy" by The Last Eighth featuring ZL's Dumi Right and Skillz is a bonus track to reward the faithful listeners. House of Stone is the brand of Hip Hop you can't possibly be mad at it, otherwise you may want to consult anger management. Even xenophobic fans weary of a Zimbabwean Rap group will be pleased by the smoothed out, vintage Jazz sounds and poignant wisdom of the Brothers From the Mother. Simply said, they're not too bad at what they do. The album may not rank with its twilight counterparts but serves notice that the adadge of "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it" rings as true as ever. In the meantime, some modern Hip Hop artists might want to look into repair estimates for their broken sounds. 3 out of 5 andy