TOUCH AND NATO: Intelligent Design (are The Representatives in...)

Touch and Nato

Intelligent Design (are The Representatives in...)

© 2007 R. Mark & N. Down (626776811123)

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WCMA nominated debut album from two proud Edmontonians that bring authentic and progressive hip-hop.

notes

ALBUM FEATURES: WORDSWORTH, CADENCE WEAPON, MINDBENDER, NOMAD. PRODUCED BY NATO.

It’s not strange to be a hip hop artist from Edmonton anymore, thanks to the incredible buzz surrounding Cadence Weapon, and there is definitely more talent from Alberta’s capital city that deserves your attention. “From the land of the pickup truck and black rubber puck” come two of the country’s brightest undiscovered hip hop talents, Touch (emcee) and Nato (producer/DJ).

Mr. Weapon records the majority of his material at Nato’s “Up in Arms Studio” in north-Edmonton, and Nato is contributing one of his jaw-dropping beats to his next album to be released on Upper Class/Epitaph. Touch is no stranger to Cadence either, with a guest spot on the “Oliver Square Remix” on the Polaris Prize Nominated “Breaking Kayfabe”.

With the seal of approval (and a guest appearance) from Cadence Weapon, Touch and Nato are poised to further prove the City of Champions is a hip hop hotspot. Their debut album “Intelligent Design” is a textbook run-through of how to make a classic album: no filler- just a full course meal of raw and aggressive rhyming, neck-snapping beats and creative concepts. It’s a refreshing reminder of the potential hip hop has to push it’s own limits, rather than caving to the trend of formulaic radio-friendly jingles.

Touch is a pioneer in the Edmonton scene, performing with his crew Dangerous Goods Collective since the early ‘90s. His reputation as an incredibly detailed and intelligent lyricist has spread across the country through multiple tours. With grit comparable to Ras Kass or Saukrates and emotion similar to Ghostface Killah, he successfully pulls off a street-style that radiates heart and struggle. Any Edmonton emcee is bound to mention Touch as an icon in the scene, and his West End roots have been developed for years, even rhyming in a group with E-Dot, now a star rapper in New York City with Uncle Howie Records.

Touch’s rhymes are perfectly matched on “Intelligent Design” with beats and cuts by Nato, who is quickly becoming known as one of the country’s premier producers. His studio has been used by almost everybody in his city’s hip hop scene and beyond, including Wordsworth (Brooklyn, NY) and rising star Cadence Weapon, both of whom make guest appearances on “Intelligent Design”. Nato uses a variety of samplers, keyboards and live players to create his hard-hitting bangers. He has also worked with Epic (college radio cult-favourite) and Dragon Fli Empire (CBC and campus radio favourites, he produced their track “Invasion” featuring Touch, which was featured on the prestigious “Up North Trip” compilation).

“Intelligent Design” is 18 tracks of amazing concepts, from the poignant and reflective “Somethin’ Real” which focuses on the senselessness of murder, to the hilarious remake “Adult’s Story”, picking up where Slick Rick left off with Touch claiming he is “not the father” on a Maury Povich-like talk show. There’s also the catchy “Can’t Hold Me Back”, an anthem to staying determined with Belgian singer Nomad and “What I Really Wanna Say”, a defiant defense of freedom of speech featuring Cadence Weapon. Touch and Nato are ready to unleash their explosive sound, get ready to be blown away by these mad scientists.

reviews

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  • Great Canadian Rap Music
    author: Erik

    This was a great album with great voices for rapping. I can't wait for the next album to come out since the music is excellent! One of my favorite albums in the top ten!

  • author: Matthew Huddleston

    4.5 Stars. Man this is a great album. Solid production with that "Dusty" type sound. Different variety in the lyrics keeps you interested. Highly recommended.

  • These guys are bad
    author: james bodycot

    Wow! These guys are B.A.D. This album is top notch all the way through. Inventive and innovative. The music really compliments Touch's voice. Cant wait for their next project. If you like raw hip hop then, look no further. These guys are the next progresion

  • spittin lyrics
    author: abm

    real lyrical lyrics , they tight

  • author: Brad at CD Baby

    "This isn't for the radio. We make this for nobody but ourselves." Taken from the liner notes of this impressively intricate hip hop album, this statement is directly represented in the music that it references. This Alberta, CA duo shuns mainstream, cookie-cutter approaches in favor of digging deep and doing what comes natural: making real hip hop that refuses to be pigeonholed or compromised. Lyricism encompasses the forefront here, with Touch kicking rhymes that are often harsh and gritty, but equally compelling and sincere. With no shortage of rappers telling you what they think you want to hear, it's refreshing to hear a lyricist spit truth like it's something you absolutely can't breathe without. Nato carries this sentiment over to the beats, utilizing a huge array of instruments and samples to produce tracks that are multifaceted but smooth, heavyweight but not banging just because they're supposed to. The genuine nature of these songs is what hits the hardest. These guys mean it, and the passion and urgency that flows throughout this album is a large part of what makes it such a compelling listen. That, and the fact that this is just some real deal, no holds barred hip hop.

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