Matthew [Audio CD] Kool Keith

He's naked! On Matthew, Kool Keith of Ultramagnetic MCs fame removes all of the capes, masks, plastic Elvis wigs, and warped rap personas (Dr. Octagon, Dr. Dooom, Big Willy Smith) he's recorded under over the years. Unfortunately, this one-time psychiatric patient is at his best when his rhymes and beats are completely out in left field. On this nonconcept album, his "music industry sucks" manifesto is disappointingly unoriginal. On "27 Shots" Keith issues a challenge to dumb groupies, dumber MCs, and Keith wannabes. Likewise, on "Baddest MC" he rambles on about the lack of individuality in the music industry, dissing male rappers who are so soft they "wear leg warmers and tights." He manages to keep it somewhat surreal on "I Don't Believe You," where he flaunts his patented unconventional rhyme scheme. But Matthew lacks the futuristic beat constructions that highlighted Keith's earlier works, such as Black Elvis/Lost in Space. Keith's blinding vitriol against the rap industry has prevented him from crafting an interesting album. He obviously should have focused more attention on these lackluster beats and rhymes. --Dalton Higgins