Finesse

1. Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)

2. American Ballad

3. Love Letters

4. Wouldn't It Be Loverly?

5. Mr. Jelly Lord

6. Warning! Success May Be Hazardous to Your Health

7. You Go to My Head

8. Solvejg's Song

Finesse,Toshiko Akiyoshi,Concord Records,Bop,Hard Bop,Jazz,Progressive Big Band

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: still waiting for Best Of.... Classic Klemmer!!!

Finesse/Magnificent Madness John Klemmer Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Touch Brazilia Involvement Making Love, Vol. 1 Arabesque ASIN: B0009Y26H2 Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

1. Finesse
2. Man & Woman
3. Sometimes
4. Greatest Love of All
5. Heart
6. Sun, The Moon and the Stars
7. Beloved
8. But Are You Beautiful Inside?
9. Magnificent Madness
10. Heart (Summer Song)
11. Don't Take Your Love Away
12. I Can't Help It
13. We Couldn't Start Over
14. Deja Vu
15. Life Song
16. Adventures in Paradise

Customer Reviews:

still waiting for Best Of...........2006-11-08

With the very disappointing new announcement that the Very Best of John Klemmer release has been delayed until 2025!!! one wonders whether fans of Mr. Klemmer will have to remain satisfied with his past recordings....
The anticipation that Mr. Klemmer will surprise his fans with something new and/or a public performance would be most welcome. I, for one, do not expect to be alive in 2025 and the delay of his newest release comes as a great disappointment. Those who are new to Mr. Klemmer's music can enjoy the breadth of his creativity, romance and artistry in his past recordings such as FINESSE. John Klemmer has the unique ability to express the unspoken through his music,and lift the spirit to a higher place, as if to say, "come join me in this dance called life...."
Mr. Klemmer - please come out and play.... the world needs you :)

Classic Klemmer!!!.......2005-08-26

Thumbs up Wounded Bird for releasing these classics. I could never find Finesse on cd until now this label continues to amaze me with all the titles they are putting out that are either oop or never available on the cd format. I would grab this up before it does go OOP!!! Highly Recommend!!!

Average customer rating:

The Funky Technician Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth Manufacturer: Wild Pitch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Return of the Funky Man Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop Road To The Riches Breaking Atoms The Awakening ASIN: B000KG4A96 Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

1. Lord Finesse's Theme Song (Intro)
2. Baby, You Nasty [New Version]
3. Funky Technician
4. Back to Back Rhyming
5. Here I Come
6. Slave to My Soundwave
7. I Keep the Crowd Listening
8. Bud Mutha
9. Keep It Flowin'
10. Lesson to Be Taught
11. Just a Little Something
12. Strictly for the Ladies
13. Track the Movement
14. Baby, You Nasty [12" Version]

Product Description

It was a simple formula, bring together one of the East Coast's finest rappers with some of the most clever track masters in Hip Hop, then add in a stellar DJ, and the results are bound to be exciting. "Funky Technician" was just that, an excellent album of battle rap with Lord Finesse simultaneously claiming and proving his immense skills over a set of funky backing tracks that used the familiar James Brown blueprint, but delivered it with unobtrusive class and innumerable displays of deft turntable wizardry. DJ Premier, Diamond D, Showbiz, and DJ Mike Smooth himself all contribute classic tracks, meanwhile, Lord Finesse is dropping rhymes to rank with Rakim and Kane. For example, on "Just a Little Something" with a raft of prizewinning multi-syllables: "Now I'm the constabulary, great in vocabulary/I'm no joke, when up against any adversary." Finesse is fresh and imaginative on nearly every line, and invites A.G. (aka Andre the Giant) for a guest spot on "Back to Back Rhyming." There were a lot of great rap records coming out of New York around the turn of the decade, though, and Funky Technician" never got the attention it deserved. Now after being out of print for years, this masterpiece album is finally re-released in it s full glory and even includes the 12" version of "Baby, You Nasty" (produced by DJ Premier), never before available on CD. This is a must-have for any fan of classic golden-era Hip Hop.

Album Description

It was a simple formula, bring together one of the East Coast's finest rappers with some of the most clever track masters in Hip Hop, then add in a stellar DJ, and the results are bound to be exciting. Funky Technician was just that, an excellent album of battle rap with Lord Finesse simultaneously claiming and proving his immense skills over a set of funky backing tracks that used the familiar James Brown blueprint, but delivered it with unobtrusive class and innumerable displays of deft turntable wizardry. DJ Premier, Diamond D, Showbiz, and DJ Mike Smooth himself all contribute classic tracks, meanwhile, Lord Finesse is dropping rhymes to rank with Rakim and Kane. Finesse is fresh and imaginative on nearly every line, and invites A.G. (aka Andre the Giant) for a guest spot on 'Back to Back Rhyming.' There were a lot of great rap records coming out of New York around the turn of the decade, though, and Funky Technician never got the attention it deserved. Now after being out of print for years, this masterpiece album is finally re-released in it's full glory and even includes the 12'' version of 'Baby, You Nasty' (produced by DJ Premier), never before available on CD.

Average customer rating: melissa ferrick I am so addicted Believe the reviews the master class Awesome Tunes

The Other Side Melissa Ferrick Manufacturer: Right on Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Freedom Willing to Wait 70 People at 7000 Feet In the Eyes of Strangers Everything I Need ASIN: B00025ETXM Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. Beijing
2. The Other Side
3. Nebraska
4. Streetlight
5. I Give Up
6. Bad Bad Girl
7. Fearless
8. Every Three Words
9. Anything Anywhere
10. Westbound

Amazon.com

On her seventh studio album, Ferrick gets in touch with her inner control freak, producing, arranging, recording, mixing, and playing every note. That sound you hear isn't a train wreck; it's her manic, percussive guitar and jittery drumming pushing her strongest set of songs over the edge of polite folk confines. The aggressive, albeit mostly acoustic, sound suits the sexual and personal confidence of her lyrics. She burns bridges and laughs, "I'm a wicked good swimmer/watch me dive." She dares an ex-lover to call her "fearless" and when she finds a new partner she threatens to dance into a romantic "slaughterhouse." But the set's finest moment is the deceptively simple highway song "Westbound," a trance-like groove surrounded by spacey synth loops and murmured vocals urging Ferrick further down the road--an apt closing sentiment for her most ambitious album. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

melissa ferrick.......2007-05-12

i personally love her music,found her on another melissa fan site.went and purchased a used cd.have all her music,will be seeing her for the first time this summer[07]

I am so addicted.......2005-01-07

I recieved this CD in June for my birthday, and listened to it a few times....then when I really listened to it about a month later, I couldn't get enough of it, and I still can't seem to get it out of my CD player. I absolutely love Westbound and Every Three Words, well, actually there isn't a bad song on the whole CD. After seeing her in concert in December, I have discovered that I am completely addicted to ALL of her music... I am buying all the cd's as quick as I can find them. This is my favorite studio album (so far)!

Believe the reviews.......2004-12-04

How many ways are there to say something's good? And how many reasons? I'll throw my 2 cents in because The Other Side really is that good, right up there with Everything I Need and Valentine Heartache, Melissa's 2 best studio albums in my opinion.

She rocks out a bit more on this one, grooving hard on "Bad Bad Girl." "Beijing," the opening track, is the sort of catchy, joyous tune I haven't heard much of since Everything I Need. And the closing track, "Westbound," a low-key song with an undertoned chorus, incorporates electronic elements I haven't heard in her music before and makes the instrumentals more prominent and more important than the vocals.

There really aren't any weak moments on the album. It's folk, pop, rock, and groove. It's very much Melissa.

Don't forget that as good as she is in the studio, Melissa is even better live. So be sure to check out her 3 live albums and catch a show if you can.

the master class.......2004-09-30

After seeing Melissa Ferrick so many times live I started to feel like her albums weren't living up to what I knew best became her - getting on stage and breathing it all: the music, the space, the audience. *The Other Side* has broken my disenchantment with her studio work. 30 seconds into the first song, you know it's all her, and you're grateful for every blissful minute of it. 'Beijing', 'Nebraska', and 'Bad Bad Girl' are standouts - perhaps we have a live replacement for 'Drive' in the latter? I haven't seen her perform in almost a year, but I would be ecstatic to see her drag that song out like she has 'Drive'.

If you've never heard Melissa before, this or *Everything I Need* are good introductions. If it's been awhile, don't hesitate to get this album. And if you've never seen her live, save your money and get a ticket. One gets the feeling that she's found her calling and that she is singularly and entirely herself when performing these songs that mean so much to her. Rarely do I feel that so intensely at any show, and to see her is to feel a connection with her and Brian and everyone else in the room who is tossing around and sharing amazing energy. At a good show, it's better than drugs.

Awesome Tunes.......2004-08-03

I am a recent Melissa Ferrick fan, and I must say I was impressed by this album. I have all her previous records, and Melissa is a musician that never ceases to amaze me. Every album has its own distinct flavor, and this one is no exception. Very different from her past inspirations, this album lacks much of the raw, gritty guitar on her older, much less-produced albums. I must say when I first played this album, I wasn't sure what to think. Especially by the end track "Westbound", which sounds more like a remix of something, but like I said: It's different, and I loved it for that. Like with her past albums, it displays a new side of her talent as a musician, as she plays all the instruments, and once again, we are blessed with her sexy in-your-face lyrics. I have to agree with the other folks who have written reviews that "Bad Bad Girl" is the best track on the album, though, I'd also like to cast a vote for "Anything Anywhere", and "Nebraska", though "Nebraska" isn't as powerful as the live version on "70 People at 7000 Feet". Then again, Melissa is always best live.

Average customer rating: Hey look at shorty' OG Funk Lord Finesse delivers wit and funk! simply excellent One of my favorites.

Return of the Funky Man Lord Finesse Manufacturer: Giant Records / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop From the Crates to the Files: The Lost Sessions The Funky Technician Reel to Reel Livin' Proof ASIN: B000002L0N Release Date: 1992-01-28

Tracks:

1. Lord Finesse Intro
2. Return Of The Funky Man
3. I Like My Girls With A Boom
4. Yes You May
5. Hey Look At Shorty
6. Praise The Lord
7. Save That Shit
8. Show 'Em How We Do Things
9. Isn't He Something
10. Fat For The 90's
11. Stop Sweating The Next Man
12. Funky On The Fast Tip
13. That's How Smooth I Am
14. Party Over There
15. Fuck 'em
16. Kicking Flavor With My Man

Customer Reviews:

Hey look at shorty'.......2005-07-30

Punchlines for days... The Funky man LORD FINESSE comes correct. The best rhymes done over some ol' school funk. Don't sleep. Add it to your collection right next to your showbiz & ag cd's!

OG Funk.......2001-08-10

Finesse has done music for OC, Biggie, Brand Nubian, and Blue Note Records, but before all that he was a super-talented ( well he still is ) punchline rapper. This is a treasure from the golden period of East Coast hiphop ('87-'94 ) with beats from Diamond, Show b-i and The funkyman himself. This is beats and rhymes wtih the alll-natural funk. If you dig deep enough in the crates you will find it.

Lord Finesse delivers wit and funk!.......2000-10-18

Lord Finesse improves on his first effort by using more obscure funk samples and drops some witty rhymes. I think that he's utterly hilarious and full of flava!

this was the least sold but his finest effort to date. hopefully he will be dropping another album next year! All his fans are waiting for his funky go-ahead, simple-set production and utterly unique stylings of his voice!

peaze everyone and cop this mf! Prinz alfie

simply excellent.......1999-08-04

people of ditc never disappoint nobody and didn't it.my greats lord finisse

One of my favorites........1999-08-02

For me, this album took "Funky Technician" to the next level. Finesse was 19 and funky on his last LP, but now he's 21 and hungry here. The production has advanced from simple James Brown loops to thunderous anthems (Fat for the 90's, Praise the Lord, the title track) cool posse cuts (Yes You May, Show 'Em How We Do Things) and laid back grooves (Hey Look at Shory, That's How Smooth I Am). This is the best comeback album ever; Finesse was dropped by Wild Pitch and floating in musical Limbo for a a year. Nice album all the way through.

Average customer rating:

Rare & Unreleased Lord Finesse Manufacturer: Underboss Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music East Coast | Vinyl Records | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: From the Crates to the Files: The Lost Sessions Return of the Funky Man Intelligent Hoodlum/Tragedy: Saga of a Hoodlum The Truth Hurts Desire ASIN: B000HD0YEW Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Lords of Brooklyn "Lakes Of Fire"
3. Pitch Black "Show And Prove"
4. Ak Skills "Check The Flava"
5. Tony Touch Freestyle"50 MCs Vol. 2"
6. Interlude
7. Ill Biskits "22 Years"
8. Ill Biskits "Let 'Em Know"
9. Ground Floor "Dig On That"
10. Illegal "On The M.I.C."
11. Shorty Long "Shortyz Doin His Own Thang"
12. Lord Finesse "Do Your Thing Kid"
13. Interlude
14. Lord Finesse "The Message" (UNRELEASED Demo Version)
15. Stephen Simmons "Alone."
16. Twice "Come Home"
17. Jeff Redd "Show You"
18. Lord Finesse feat. Rell "Ghetto"
19. Black Coffey "Sunshine"
20. Interlude
21. Bas Blasta feat. Godfather Don, Juju and Fat Joe "The Rhythm."
22. Notorious B.I.G. "Party and Bulls&!t" Remix

Product Description

The Legendary M.C., Producer, and DJ, Lord Finesse, brings you his most sought after and hard to find productions and features. "Rare And Unreleased" is a must have for any Lord Finesse and true school enthusiast. 12" single-only cuts, unreleased songs, and original demo versions are all finally available in digital CD quality. Lord Finesse first debuted in 1989 with the classic, "The Funky Technician", on Wild Pitch. He went on to record "The Return Of The Funky Man" in 1992 and "Awakenings" in 1996. A living legend in the Hip-Hop underground. Lord Finesse is also known for discovering and mentoring the late great Big L. A founding member of the Hip-Hop super group, Diggin' In The Crates (DITC), Lord Finesse has contributed vocals and/or production to albums by group members: Show and A.G., Big L, Fat Joe, Diamond D, and O.C. He has contributed production to multi-platinum albums by The Notorious B.I.G. and Dr.Dre. and has also produced for artists such as Capone and Noreaga, Brand Nubian, Terror Squad, S.W.V., and Rell. An accomplished DJ, Lord Finesse frequently spins at parties throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe.

Album Description

The Legendary M.C., Producer, and DJ, Lord Finesse, brings you his most sought after and hard to find productions and features. Rare And Unreleased is a must have for any Lord Finesse and true school enthusiast. 12'' single-only cuts, unreleased songs, and original demo versions are all finally available in digital CD quality.

Average customer rating: Light the candles and the incense~ Join the Dance Trance While Ya' Dance!!! Sensuous, Earthy, and Heavenly Hypnotic and Seductive

Dancers of Twilight Zingaia Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beneath the Veil Soles on Earth Café de Luna Exotica: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Hotel Tara: The Intimate Side of Buddha-Lounge ASIN: B00004Y6P1 Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

1. Ondine
2. Divine Flame
3. Wild As You
4. At The Window
5. Shape Shifter
6. Life After Life
7. Magus
8. Dark Eros
9. Vine Of The Soul
10. Dancers Of Twilight

Album Description

Pulsating global rhythms, sensual female vocals and smooth trance-dance grooves create a mystical mood. Building on the seductive energy of their acclaimed debut release, "Beneath the Veil," Zingaia has created their own original style of Goddess-inspired ambient world dance music. This rich enticing mix of exotic sounds from around the world and Abbi Spinner's sensual vocals, will ignite your inner fire of sacred passion.

Customer Reviews:

Light the candles and the incense~.......2003-09-14

Then close your eyes and go beyond your wildest dreams and fantasies. This music will make love to you as none other. I anxiously await a new release, and have done so for two years.

This CD ( my fave ) and their first one, "Beneath the Veil" will transcend you.

A music lover and collector, for years, these are my two top picks, for exotic and sensual. Beyond Deepak,Enigma and Rasa and any others in this New Age field, which has been my musical life for several years.

Join the Dance.......2003-02-18

I absolutely loved Zigaia's first album, "Beneathe The Veil", so when I discovered their second album, I was thrilled to get it. The music is hypnotic, the vocals are sensual, the the beat makes you want to dance. It's perfect for bellydancers, but even if you don't own a coin belt, you can't help but move your hips to the drums. It's an amazing blend of seductive energy that truly celebrates the goddess in us all.

Check out their other album, too!

Trance While Ya' Dance!!!.......2001-08-01

Both of their albums are great. They are one of my favorite Witchy discoveries!

The music is secuctive and richly sensual. Lush is a good word to describe it!

Allow yourself to become a Dancer of Twilight!!!

Sensuous, Earthy, and Heavenly.......2001-07-17

With the common thread of love songs to the soul, this collection of global, world beat sounds acknowledges every level and every chakra in unabashed celebration. Sensuous, earthy, and heavenly, in a breathtaking mood of wonder and awe, these love-based pieces resonate deeply through body and mind, kissing the soul with un apologetic affection. I was surprised at the wide range of moods. Rich with bass tones and interwoven percussion alongside astounding vocals, this album will find a variety of uses, from wooing a potential mate to comfort in times of distress to energetic housecleaning. It conveys a feeling of knowing the listener to a depth that can be disconcerting, and is sure to be popular with both young and - well, those not quite so young.

Hypnotic and Seductive.......2001-02-26

Dancers of Twilight is definitely a "keeper" CD. Recently, I used several songs (#1 "Ondine" and #5 "Shape Shifter") as a soundtrack while shooting a stupendous storm of wildly dancing snowflakes and glittering ice crystals swirling on the wind currents blasting across the American River Canyon and transformed a winter wonderland home video into a magical moment on film. For this, among many other reasons, I love New Age music passionately because of the sense of creative freedom that it inspires within a person. Especially those moments when the "inner muse" that cannot be denied whispers "create your own reality" as the music lifts your spirit into a seemingly transcendant space where a song, a picture, a poem, a dance flows from one's heart, soul, body, imagination. Michael Breene is a terrifically gifted artist whose work is lush and inventive with his inspired use of percussive instruments and other FX that keep the listener engaged in his musical storyline. I particularly love the smooth synthesizer washes that he uses as a backdrop for the other dazzling effects in his aural palette. In addition to the two listed above, my favorite songs are "Magus" chanted by Jeff McBride, and the deeply moving "Dark Eros" which reaches within the shadow self and urges the physical passions to surrender to the moment.

To this listener, there is but one flaw in this album. It is the over use of singing mantras and seemingly endless whispery voice-overs that bury the magic of the instrumental layering and distract the ear from the subtle nuances as well as the depth of meaning within Breene's music. I would have loved to hear the title song "Dancers of Twilight" as an instrumental-only version. This is, for me, also true of their first release "Beneath the Veil" which is quite gorgeous and trancelike, but again way too much vocal involvement interferred with the majesty of the music itself. In my view, the "less is more" approach to vocal tracks would have enhanced their impact overall, especially when the message is manifestly religious/spiritual in context. At these times a Light touch is more palatable and easier to assimilate. Personally, I would adore listening to a totally instrumental CD by this artist and I hope that in the future he will produce one. One final note of appreciation is for the artist who designed the graphics of both their albums. Wonderful!

Average customer rating: Classic...really beautiful hip hop The kind of music i'd like to WAKE up to. Lord Finesse Staying True To The Rap Game (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4 stars) The Awakening!!!

The Awakening Lord Finesse Manufacturer: Traffic Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Return of the Funky Man The Funky Technician From the Crates to the Files: The Lost Sessions Road To The Riches Between a Rock and a Hard Place ASIN: B000IHXZRK Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

1. Da Sermon (Intro)
2. Time Ta Bounce - (with Doo Wop)
3. True And Livin'
4. O' Lord - (with O.C.)
5. Brainstorm/P.S.K. - (No Gimmicks Remix, with KRS-One/O.C.)
6. Taking It Lyte - (with MC Lyte)
7. Gameplan
8. Words From Da Ak - (with Akinyele)
9. Flip Da Style
10. Showtime - (with Showbiz)
11. Speak Ya Peace - (with Marquee/Diamond/A.G.)
12. Food For Thought
13. Da Kid Himself - (with Kid Capri)
14. Hip 2 Da Game
15. No Gimmicks - (with KRS-One)
16. Actual Facts - (with Grand Puba/Large Professor/Sadat X)

Product Description

With his third album, Lord Finesse representing D.I.T.C. (Diggin' in the Crates crew) brought together some of the finest rappers of the moment for an album almost entirely produced by Finesse himself. Known as producer and rapper, Finesse is gifted in metaphorical rhyming like other well-known MCs such as Big L or Chino XL, and again produces a great record deserving of any rap fan's archive. Guests like Akinyele, KRS-One, MC Lyte, O.C., AG, Diamond D., and Kid Capri make up the all-star cast. Topping it all off as a hidden bonus cut are verses by Large Professor, Grand Puba, and Sadat X on arguably one of hip-hop's finest tracks ever, entitled "Actual Facts." Contains the standout singles "Hip 2 Da Game" and "Gameplan". “...the beats more than hold their own against the work of hot producers of the moment... heavy on the drum kick, perfectly suited to an MC getting his flow on... ‘The Awakening’ is a welcome joint from a man who has long personified Hip Hop's favorite mantra: `True to the game.” -The Source (February 1996) “...Throughout every song, Finesse's permeating Hall of Fame punch lines are brought to that ass like room service... he made his well-deserved chump change the old fashioned way, he earned it.” -Rap Pages (January 1996) “...Acknowledged by many of his peers as quite simply the best MC in the world... raunchy-but-serene lyrical skills... spooky-sounding production... Though Lord Finesse may never create a pop hit, he continues to live up to his name.” -Vibe (April 1996)

Album Description

With his third album, Lord Finesse representing D.I.T.C. (Diggin' in the Crates crew) brought together some of the finest rappers of the moment for an album almost entirely produced by Finesse himself. Known as producer and rapper, Finesse is gifted in metaphorical rhyming like other well-known MCs such as Big L or Chino XL, and again produces a great record deserving of any rap fan's archive. Guests like Akinyele, KRS-One, MC Lyte, O.C., AG, Diamond D., and Kid Capri make up the all-star cast. Topping it all off as a hidden bonus cut are verses by Large Professor, Grand Puba, and Sadat X on arguably one of hip-hop's finest tracks ever, entitled "Actual Facts." Contains the standout singles "Hip 2 Da Game" and "Gameplan".

Customer Reviews:

Classic...really beautiful hip hop.......2007-05-04

Throughout his career, Lord Finesse has been one of hip hop's strongest artists, producing great tracks for countless great artists and more than holding it down on the mic. "The Awakening" is the true gem of his career though. This album, originally released in 1996 and long out of print, showcases just how great he really was. This is an archetypical Diggin' in the Crates release, with guest appearances from many DITC members and the signature DITC sound that Finesse pioneered. The beats are full of deep funky bass, jazz sampling, great vocals, and a certain vibesy sound that no one else could ever manage to duplicate. Finesse's lyricism here is quite entertaining, he establishes himself as a master of punchlines. I could sit for a long time laughing at all the funny punchlines on "The Awakening", he does a great job. I like the length of this release too, it has 16 tracks but half are short skits with MCs giving props to Finesse. Even the skits are quite enjoyable though, because they always have such dope beats. "The Awakening" is a forgotten gem and a truly great hip hop album.

After the intro, the first track is "Time to Bounce". It has an awesome beat, there's great bass, awesome vibes and drums, it always makes my head bob. "True and Livin'" is a slow rollin', chilled out song, great verses from the Lord and excellent production. O.C. drops a verse on his "O Lord" skit, which is followed by the excellent collaboration "Brainstorm/P.S.K. (No Gimmicks Remix)". My favorite song is the MC Lyte collaboration "Gameplan". Finesse tries to land Lyte's female character in this song, but the production is beautiful, such great instrumentals there and I really like the chorus. Akinyele shows his crazy style once again on his appearance in "Flip da Style", and Showbiz produces "Speak Ya Peace" in his guest spot. "Hip 2 Da Game" is one of the best here, great beat and punchlines from Finesse ("I see more skins than the average dermatologist!"). "No Gimmicks" is an awesome posse cut, and the bonus track is also great.

"The Awakening" is an amazingly consistent, expertly produced and impeccably executed album. Finesse does an awesome job, and the guest spots are perfectly selected, it's like a who's who of the 1995 New York scene. While $50+ is a very steep price for any album, I'm sure it is available for sale and download for much less. I recommend this one to all hip hop fans.

The kind of music i'd like to WAKE up to........2007-02-28

Lord Finesse HAS GOT TO BE one of the most under-rated mc's of all time. His flow is flawless and his metaphorical laced rhymes have obviously influenced so many other mc's that its scary. This is the man that is credited with discovering BIG L after he freestyled for Finesse one day outside a store. As a leading member of D.I.T.C. he established himself as an outstanding producer who worked with countless mc's such as A.G., Diamond, Big L, Fat Joe, B.I.G. and Artifacts to name afew. But its his rhymes that are the real blessing on this EP (there's 9 tracks on the re-issue plus interludes). Each of the 9 tracks are brilliant and nothing short of it. "True And Livin'" is a joint that allows Finesse to flex his lyrical muscles on the solo tip over a melodic rolling beat and its the perfect 1st track to showcase this EP. "Brainstorm" feat.O.C.+KRS1 is amazing where all 3 mc's tear the beat to shreads. "Gameplan" is an excellent story telling track about women were Finesse sounds confident and precise. Both "Flip Da Style" and "Speak Ya Peace" feat.Diamond, A.G. and Marquee are top notch with amazing production and verses from all mc's involved. "Food For Thought" is another story telling joint where Finesse shows his vast vocabulary in entertaining fashion. "Hip 2 Da Game" and "No Gimmicks" feat.KRS1 are like classes for lyrical lessons as these legends show exactly what makes an mc original and why they are so popular with fans. Finally is the bonus track that only gor added to the re-issued version and calling it the BEST posse cut in the last 10years in hiphop wouldnt be an understatement. "Actual Facts" feat.Sadat X, Grand Puba and Large Professor is simply put...a hiphop fans dream lineup. The beat that accompanies this is perfect and all mc's rise to it. The only things that took from this being a 5 star to me were there was skits all over the place which i HATE on albums plus when you hear the beats on some of these you wish that Finesse recorded more rhymes over them and turned this into an album rather than an EP. Other than that you wont find any other faults. Brilliant release from an under-appreciated lyricist.

Lord Finesse Staying True To The Rap Game (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4 stars).......2007-02-14

Just to clarify to the reviewers and anyone who heard this album and claims that it sounds like an EP, that it is an EP. Not only it was advertised as an EP (Amazon should state that in it's product discription), but it is mentioned as an EP on the second track of the album. A lot of reviewers say that there are as many interludes as there are songs, which I personally don't have a problem with. The point is that they are there listed as individual tracks, so in case you do not want to hear them, skip over them, rather than them being placed at the beginning of the song, causing the listener to loose interest in the track before the actual song begins. The interludes average about a minute and a half. Also they have some dope beats that are played in the back, like "Taking It (MC) Lyte". "O' Lord" has O.C. spitting a few short rhymes on his interlude. So they are all great to listen to, with the exception of Akinyele screaming all over one them ("Words From Da Ak"). Personally, I see the interludes as like a preperation for a track, while giving the listener the option to hear them if they want to.

Now that been said, the EP itself is excellent from Lord Finesse. Finesse is known for bringing you punchlines in your face, and he does them perfectly here. I disagree with one reviewer who claims that every other line is a punchline, although they are quite a few that flow all throughout this album. I find that the best tracks that Lord Finesse are on by himself are "True And Livin'" and "Hip 2 Da Game", because he flows more confortably on those tracks.

Some of the best tracks are when there are guests on as well. "Brainstorm/P.S.K. (No Gimmicks Remix)" featuring KRS-One and O.C. is a good one and it sound better than the origonal version of "No Gimmicks" that is towards the end of the album. The one that has my attention the most and had me hitting the replay button was "Speak Ya Peace" with Marquee, Diamond D, and A.G. Dope lyrics comming from all four members as well as as a dope beat from Myke Loe. There is a bonus track at the very end called "Actual Facts" and it features Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Large Professor. All four of them on one track alone makes it worth listening to as well.

So there you have it, Lord Finesse's EP "The Awakening". This EP is dope from beginning to the end and will gurantee satisfaction who is a fan of hip hop, especially in the early-mid 90's. This album was just reissued last year on Traffic Entertainment Group which was a very good idea to do. As for the price, I believe that anyone shouldn't pay no more than 20 bucks for this, seeing that the actual price is around 15 (and the fact that it is an EP, and the majority of them sell for around 10). But if you can find this EP at a reasonable price, go ahead and add it to your collection.

One more thing before I finish (and this really isn't that important to some people). The reissue that is here on Amazon, has the product discription, and it shows quotes from The Rap Pages and The Source. Just to let you know, The Source gave this 3 Mics, and the Rap Pages gave this a 6 (out of 10). I was just wondering if they actually listened to the same EP that the reviewers here were listening to.

Lyrics: A-
Production: B+
Guest Appearance (not including interludes): B+
Musical Vibes: B+
Overall B+

Favorite Tracks: True And Livin', Brainstorm/P.S.K. (No Gimmics Remix), Speak Ya Peace, Hip 2 Da Game, and Actual Facts (Bonus Track)

Peace Everyone!!!

The Awakening!!!.......2006-12-07

Hands down one of the best produced albums of all time. The beats are remarkable. Every single song will blow you away. Finesse drops some of his careers illest punchlines over bangin production. This is a record that any Hip Hop fan should not be without. Peace!

Average customer rating:

Platinum Slow Jams #28 (Mixtape) Ciara , Lloyd , Robin Thicke , Tyrese , and Avant Manufacturer: DJ Finesse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Smokin R&B 2 (Mixtape) Double Up DJ Envy: Purple Codeine 9.99 Street Love Sex Love & Pain ASIN: B000PTZG2I

Product Description

1. Lloyd - Valentine 2. Ciara & R. Kelly - Promise RMX 3. Joe - If I Was Your Man 4. Robin Thicke - Lost Without U 5. Usher - Doing The Most 6. Monica - My Everything 7. Tyrese & R. Kelly - Sign Of Love Makin II 8. Avant - Now U Got Someone 9. Marques Houston - Circle 10. Omarion - Made For TV 11. Ciara - So Hard 12. Sammie - Another Last Chance 13. Shareefa - Trippin 14. Ruben Studdard - Our Story 15. Jennifer Hudson - One Night Only 16. Tamia - Love And I 17. Jamie Foxx & Beyonce - When I First Saw You 18. Justin Timberlake - All Over Again 19. Noel - The River Bonus Track 20. Omarion - ???????

Average customer rating:

The Best of Usher DJ Finesse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000RQ765Y

Product Description

1. Think of You 2. Just Like Me F/ Lil Kim 3. Pop Ya Collar 4. U don't Have to Call F/ Ludacris 5. I Don't Know F/ P. Diddy 6. Yeah F/ Lil Jon & Ludacris 7. Red light F/ Ludacris 8. Throwback F/ Jadakiss 9. U Remind Me (RMX) F/ Mr. Cheeks 10. My way F/ J.D. 11. You Make Me Wanna 12. One day You'll Be Mine 13. My boo F/ Alicia Keys 14. Lovers & Friends F/ Lil Jon 15. Nice & Slow 16. Confessions 17. Burn 18. You Got it Bad 19. Slow Jam F/ Monica 20. Can You Help Me

Average customer rating:

DJ Finesse: R&B Soul D'Angelo , Erykah Badu , Maxwell , and Anthony Hamilton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music ASIN: B000RGA76E

Product Description

1. D'angelo-Brown Sugar 2. Erykah Badu-On & On 3. Musiq-For the night 4. Dwele-I think I love u 5. Dave Holister-One woman man 6. Kem-Cant stop loving u 7. Billal-Soul sista 8. Tweet-Smoking cigarettes 9. Amel Larrieux-New for real 10. Jill Scott-The way 11. Maxwell-Lifetime 12. Glen Lewis-Dont you forget 13. India Irie-Good man 14. Lyfe-Must be nice 15. Anthony Hamilton-Charlene 16. Floetry-Say yes 17. Vivian Green-Emotional roller coaster 18. Heather Headly-I wish I wasn't 19. John Legend-Ordinary people

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