Artist: Saul Williams

Album: The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!

Saul Williams is, by far, one of the most brilliant artists of this century. As a spoken word poet, musician, singer, and actor, this brilliant man knows no limits. I still remember when my sister came home from college a long time ago and she excitedly told me of this amazing artist that came to her college and performed. She popped in a disc and needless to say, my mind was blown.

Saul has collaborated with many artists, but his and Trent Reznor’s The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! is my favorite. Though I very much enjoy Saul solo, this album is cerebral experience. It even has an interesting cover of U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” unlike anything you have ever heard.

One moment he bounces back and forth between slam poetry mixed with hip-hop, and the next thing you know the album transitions to the familiar components of what you might expect Reznor to contribute (and he does it perfectly).

The album is heavy, smart, and dark, yet it glistens with intensity. All of Saul’s poetry mixed with the vivid and varying sounds in each track is one of the most original things I have ever heard. Though it was meant to be a free download on Reznor’s website, it has been a huge success.

It’s not your typical hip-hop, but it’s powerful and knowing. The album, when listened to in its entirety, makes your brain feel like it was on the better end of a politically influenced, justifiable street fight. It’s beautiful and brutal.

I give The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! 8 out of 10. Political hip-hop mixed with the ambient and industrial sounds of Trent Reznor is too good to pass up. Give it a try!

Also, Saul is an immensely talented artist, so check out his website if you would like to educate yourself on all the cool stuff he does. He just put out another incredible album that is very different from this one, if you’ve got an hour or two then check it out. Until next week, find something new to listen to, nerds!