THE URBAN SOPHISTICATES: The Cowards Anthem

The Urban Sophisticates

The Cowards Anthem

© 2005 The Urban Sophisticates (634479220852)

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Sharp lyrics, smooth vocals, and a great blend of brass, guitar, bass, and drums makes this live hip-hop project stand out on this sophomore effort by The Urban Sophisticates.

notes

As written by Brian Clarey for Yes Weekly

“Label it what you want,” Benton says. “I tell everybody that we’re a live hip-hop band, but there’s so much more to us if you listen.”

Right now he’s testing the limits of the stool that’s propping him up '" Benton is a big man and he makes the thing look like it belongs in a first-grade classroom. He’s sensitive about his size; the opening lyric of the title track on the band’s new CD, Coward’s Anthem makes that clear: “I know I’m not the handsomest/ and the car that I drive ain’t the fanciest/ but if I took a couple inches off the waistline/ would it be enough for you to want to be mine?”

After the refrain brother Aaron comes in with the bridge, singing sweet like Nate Dogg with brass accents in the background: “I’m not lazy won’t you please believe me/ I’m just a brother that likes to chill.”

“It’s a song about having feelings for a girl and not having the courage to say it,” Benton says.

He slid me an early copy of the disc at the office earlier in the day and it spent the rest of the afternoon making my head bounce.

The CD represents nearly eight months of recording, writing and mixing '" Benton himself worked on it with the dedication of a legionnaire, spending more nights on the studio couch than in his own bed.

“I was just trying to get noticed,” he says. “We’re gonna make the big Christmas push, see if we can’t sell some of these records.”

There are no b*%^#es and hos here. No references to firearms or violence (except in the tune “Fake Gun Hands,” a kind of indictment against street crimes that begins with a plea: “Somebody call an ambulance right now”). No scratch DJ, save for a cameo by DJ SK on “Kaos Mathematics.” No ‘N’ word, no benjies, no dubs and no playas.

Well, maybe a couple of playas, but also well-crafted, self-revelatory lyricism from this guy who’s insecure about his size, unsure about women, still mourning the death of his father and trying to make it in a confusing business with nothing but a carload of talent, a trunkful of ambition and a really killer band '" Tim Hooker on guitar, Romondo Jessup on drums, bass player Ricky Nxumalo and a horn section consisting of Jeremy Denman on trumpet and Sal Mascali on trombone.

“I didn’t really get into hip hop until maybe four or five years ago,” Benton says. “I was into Counting Crows, Pearl Jam, all these angsty artists with all these deep meanings... rock lead singers have a way of getting this vibe across. My style is trying to get a feeling across with some metaphor, but also trying to get a story across.”

The work is rife with witty metaphor (Benton proclaims, “Let’s take it back like Cosby sweaters,” in “Coward’s Anthem”) and artistic flourish '" in “Breakups,” brother Aaron sings a capella, “A treasure chest of memories plays like/ old vinyl singles” with just a second or two of needle hiss and pop in the background.

Another great cut, “Soul Crime,” is a short, slow-funk lament sung by the trumpeter’s sister, Mary Nicole Denman, understated and minimalist with a modicum of distortion on the mic, way different from the others

reviews

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  • I can't stop listening to it!
    author: Aaron from Wilmington, NC

    Wow. What a great sound! Can't wait to see them live!

  • author: chad

    awesome cd thanks A++++seller

  • LOVE IT
    author: Whitney HW

    WOW! This cd is amazing. Greensboro didnt know it hadsuch fine quality artists. Urban Sophisticates are blending something a little different and I LIKE IT! Thanks for the CD and see yall at your next show.

  • WORD
    author: MISTER

    WORD UP! CLICK HEAR HEADS UP

  • Great CD, Less horns
    author: Blake

    I really like this CD...the sound is an elaboration of the first Urban Sophisticates CD, but its more mature....I really like "Coward's Anthem" and "A Girl From Chapel Hill".....I wish the horn section was as prominant as the last CD, but change is good. GREAT JOB GUYS...can't wait to see you in Winston-Salem again!

  • Good CD, not as jazzy as the last.
    author: Dan

    Cowards Anthem was a good CD overall but I still think the first Urban CD is better. There weren't as many jazzy sections for Jeremy and Sal to show off the horns. There were many songs that I loved and will have a hard time getting out of my head but there were others that I didn't care for.

  • Nice, Original Music
    author: Real Official, Inc.

    Nice, nice music. Some of the tracks remind me of Brother Ali from Rhymesayers... But you actually have an original style. Your flow is liquid and the beats are solid. Nice album.

  • Great album, very unique!
    author: Annie Krazmien

    I absolutely love this album! Since Aaron told me that they would be performing at ASU, I couldn't wait for the album to come out. The first two tracks are my personal favorites. Each one is different and unique. I would highly recommend it to anybody who is a fan of The Black Eyed Peas and Outkast.

  • author: CD Baby

    Earthy, contemporary and authentic, The Urban Sophisticates mix up hip hop, R&B and groove in the vein of the Black Eyed Peas, the Roots and Outkast. What makes this album so interesting and noticeable is the way these guys build their songs. You won't see them blowing their wad on the first track. There is a sense of plot, of pay-off, of an earned apex. They know how to slowly draw you in and hook you, keep your attention and hold you engaged until the end without pulling out all of the stops unless the song asks for it. In other words, these guys know how to craft a full-bodied track with intelligence and stamina. Alt hip hop fanatics, hold onto your seat.

  • this CD is going to take urban to the next level
    author: urban fans forum

    this CD has been in my CD player since i bought. The ryhming skills of benton james are awesome. He reallys knows how to relate to people. This CD is more than just funny lyrics and smooths moves, its about life. Anyone who listens to the lyrics can see there is deeper meaning. its a blast to listen to, and i consider it a family CD. no, hoes, bros, and killing involved in this hip hop group.

  • Gotta Love It
    author: Music4Life

    Good songs, good lyrics, good band. I like how the album progressively gets better towards the end. Innovative sounds....keep up the good work, there is no reason these guys shouldn't be doing it real big real soon. -peace-

  • DO YO' THANG
    author: Lady Day Media

    Ay' yo' keep doin' you thang! Clean, and straight to the point. It's innovative. Love the cover!

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