Notion - On The Corner of Notion & 9th: A Tribute to 9th Wonder

Notion - On The Corner Of Notion & 9th

2010, The Movement Fam Records

Notion is the other third of The Movement Fam.  The older brother of Cee (Of Cee & Bekah), Notion is the production genius of the crew, boarding all albums by The Movement Fam (individually and collectively), as well as recordings for other artists through his studio in Toronto.  Notion gets down to brass tacks with his tribute to 9th Wonder, On The Corner Of Notion & 9th, welcoming guests such as Skyzoo, Cee & Bekah, Tommy Gunnz, Dasha, Micnificent, KB, Theory and Whisperer. 

On The Corner Of Notion & 9th opens with "Don't Rush Me - Intro", creating a great vibe with the help of Skyzoo.  "Mastermind" has single written all over it, and has the sort of style and panache that could make it a hit.  "Honey" is a solid effort, raised a notch or two by Bekah's amazing vocal support.  "Whatever Ya Need" is a party in song, with a mellow danceable vibe that is as catchy as the flu.  Even non hip-hop fans are likely to have this tune on repeat.  "Heartburn finds Notion engaging in a ménage between 1970's soul and modern hip-hop, ripping off rhymes in a style that will remind listeners of Common and occasionally even Talib Kweli.  The whole Movement Fam gets in gear on "Hold Me Down", welcoming Detective into the fold of a catchy and vibrant number you won't be able to shout down.

Notion runs out of steam a bit here musically, bringing it home over the final six tracks with somewhat bland musical accompaniment but never losing the rhyming edge that sets him apart in a crowded field of spitters and street philosophers.  On The Corner Of Notion & 9th shows off Notion's talents as a lyricist and producer.  He manages to take the creations of 9th Wonder and bring his own ideas to the table, creating a tribute that's worthy both in its reverence and originality.  Even with a somewhat slow fade at the end, On The Corner Of Notion & 9th is vibrant and full of life, an example of what hip-hop can be when freed from the cartoonish archetypes sometimes associated with the genre.

Rating: 3.5 Stars  (Out of 5)

Learn more about Notion on Facebook or at www.themovementfam.com.  On The Corner Of Notion & 9^th is available for free download on Bandcamp.