Verbal Kent: Fist Shaking (Review)

Rap is done best when an emcee is unbridled with his or her emotions. In a musical genre that is so strongly founded on lyrics, it is crucial for rappers to display some passion in their content and delivery. This passion is precisely what Verbal Kent's third solo release, entitled Fist Shaking, is rooted in. The album features a steady delivery of aggressive and angst-ridden, yet intricate and thematic verses, making for a very impressive listen.

Upon first glance, one would probably assume Fist Shaking to focus on Verbal Kent airing his dirty laundry. With track names such as "Remain Psycho," "The Dagger," You Can't Rap," and "Tim Hardaway Hates You," this is an easy expectation to conjure. However, after giving the album a focused listen or two, it is undeniable that there is much more involved. Verbal Kent comes out firing on all cylinders on the album's opening track, "First 3." Displaying a brash confidence, he makes the bold claim, "This is the best verse you ever heard / The next verse will be the best verse you ever heard / Wait for the third." Though that might not be entirely true, it becomes clear quickly that Verbal Kent is not your typical, factory-processed emcee. He has the aforementioned flair for the braggadocio, but also possesses a knack for comical rhymes ("I'm busy gettin' Pounds and Euros / You busy eatin' pounds of gyros" on "Brand New Style"; and "I'm guaranteed to win, like a war versus Canada" on "The Dagger"), as well as the occasionally inappropriate ("You'll lose your job like Virginia Tech security guards," on "Get a Job 2"). He also has the all-important ability to tell thorough stories in his verses. The standout track on Fist Shaking is ""A Rapper Who Quit, Pt. 1," a well-narrated story about the trials and tribulations of a weathered rhymer trying to make it big in the rap game.

The album also succeeds with sublime production from an assortment of producers, notably Marco Polo, Oddisee, and Panik of the Molemen. Many tracks feature smooth work on the boards, heavy drums that back Verbal Kent's lyrics superbly, and some fast scratching on the hooks. But while the scratching is impressive, the only qualm to be raised is that it detracts from Verbal Kent's lyricism. It would have been pleasing to hear him more during the choruses.

The other misstep of the album is that it is, at times, too dark and complex for the average listener. This is not the CD to be played while you are relaxing outside on a sunny summer afternoon. Verbal Kent's lyrics often go over the heads of those listening, unless you are truly paying close attention: "I feel like a old man watching a child eat / 'Are you full? Why you wasting these perfectly good beets?'" But in the end, his detailed lyrics and sly double entendres will earn him the respect he deserves, at least from the hip-hop heads willing to pay the required attention.

Overall, Verbal Kent, boasting a unique, choppy flow, has some indisputable skills on the mic. Fist Shaking, with not a single track surpassing four minutes in length, is a rapid-fire barrage of heartfelt, fiery songs and deft, uncompromising lyricism. The Chicago emcee has paid his dues, and consequently earned his accolades.

Rating: 7/10


Bonus Cut: Verbal Kent performing "Brand New Style"