One Be Lo - L.A.B.O.R. (2011)

So who's heard this? I got my copy a couple weeks ago and have played it about 3-4 times. I can't help but to compare it to "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M." since that's an all time favorite and his best work. It doesn't really stand up to that at all. Not many big standout cuts that I can think of either. I'll have to give it another go...3.5 stars as of now.

Yeah I got this when he came through ATL a couple months ago. I agree with you in that nothing really stands out. I was very underwhelmed. I should spin it again though...

Got it a few months ago. Technically it's really good but honestly it doesn't have me coming back for more like "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M." does. Probably about the same level as "R.E.B.I.R.T.H."

Man, so nobody really even checked this record out, huh? Kind of amazing considering "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M." is so loved by many people on this forum. I mean, it's my #1 album of 2005 after all these years...it's just that fuckin' classic. But man, this album is just not holding up. It is just so low budget sounding. I'm not sure he can ever live up to "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M." or his work with Binary Star ever again. Not without some FLY production. Maybe because "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M." was recorded over the span of 3-4 years, it just had ultra prime selection. Come to think of it though, this record had to be in the works for years as well. I don't know. The beats were way killer on "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M." and without that same quality, "L.A.B.O.R." suffers. Sad part is, every time I bump this album I hear a good album. Just not a memorable one.

Second thought, I'm not sure the beats are really all to blame here. Lo's lyrics and stories aren't quite as vivid or gripping as they are on "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.".

In the end, don't get me wrong. This album is worth checking out for sure. It's a decent album. It's just sooooo hard not to compare it to the classic "S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.".

Is there really anything as dope as this on the new one? No.