Quasimoto is the alter ego alias of Mad-lib, who is widely regarded as one of the better producers around today. The fact that he also raps has opened the door for him to release an absurd amount of albums. If you visit his Wikipedia page, you will be redirected to an entirely new page just to view his discography. As if that wasn't enough, Mad-lib has formed multiple other alter egos in the hope that people will think he's not weird as hell. A quick glance at the cover kind of sends those hopes down the drain.
I swear this shit was actually highly anticipated by many hip-hop heads, who have been waiting for Mad-libs third release under the name of Quasimoto for the better part of eight years. Without a release date or any information, the simple information "Quasimoto - Yessir Whatever" was enough to send the Internet into a complete tizzy. Turns out we would be hit with a wave of disappointment when the record label released that this would only be a compilation of unreleased songs and rarities that have been recorded over a twelve year period. With the addition of a few new songs, the album clocks in at around thirty minutes.
I actually wasn't too demoralized by the news. I've always been a fan of Mad-Lib so the thought of hearing some of his rarities is appealing. The fact that he's using the Quasimoto persona is just icing on the cake. I haven't gotten a chance to listen to the album yet so I'll kind of be winging it for most of the review, which will hopefully provide by true reaction to the songs before I have a chance to over think it and change my mind.
1. Broad Factor
The first thing you need to know before listening is that Mad-lib raises his pitch when in the form of Quasimoto, which sounds pretty cool once you get used to it. Quasi's rhymes blend nicely into the instrumental, as he adds his fair share of punch lines and metaphors. Libs always been known for his ability to use samples, which is obvious on the opener. This is only two minutes but as I look at the tracklist, it appears that is a ongoing theme.
2. Seasons Change
Definitely a change of pace from the last track. The beat has a bit of a majestic feel to it, which only works depending on your opinion of majestic beats. Quasi's rhymes continue to impress, but can barely be heard due to the ridiculous sample that runs during his verses. Its really hard to get a point across with someone yelling "Da Duh" at a continuous rate. There's a little skit at the end that I don't really understand because I doubt Lib cares about what people do with drugs.
3. The Front
Another example of Mad libs ability to take a few completely unrelated samples and mix them together in perfect harmony. Quasi uses his un pitched voice to do his rapping. His voice sounds really cool, but becomes a bit monotonous after a while. This ends up being a detriment to the song as his voice just melts into the instrumental and ultimately results in a forgettable track. We are treated to another public service announcement type of skit at the end.
4. Youngblood
At only 1:38, this is the shortest track on the album. Quasi reminisces over his time as a kid and his want to go back to childhood, only to say how he's still a kid. I see no reason that he couldn't have added another verse or just let the beat rid for a little long. These short songs certainly aren't enthralling me, and giving me minimum to write about. Still, this oddly fits into the context of the album, which has been entertaining to this point.
5. Astronaut
Quasi seems to have raised his voice to an even higher degree. The lyrics of this are underwhelming, but the length of the song make it really hard for Lord Quasi to get into and really develop a flow. This song doesn't really stand out to me, but it certainly plays to the hypnotic and psychedelic theme of the album.
6. Planned Attack
The first thing you'll notice is the crazy guitar samples that are thrown around left and right. Furthermore, Mad-lib flexes his ability to DJ, with periodic DJ cuts being impossible to ignore. Everything sounds extremely polished and crisp, which makes more of a nice surface that Quasi can effectively destroy with his raps. You'll also notice the change in his voice because he uses his actual voice. No gripes for this one, its awesome.
7. Brothers Can't See Me
Quasi's verses are nothing I'd be showing anyone to display his lyrical prowess. They're underwhelming and don't really do anything for me. Still, this was still a memorable song. The instrumental was interesting (thankfully this ended quickly because it was giving me a headache, but it was good at the same time) and Quasi faded in and out of his two voices.
8. Catchin' the Vibe
Finally, we are treated to the lyrics abilities that I knew Mad Lib had in him. Through a bit of storytelling, Mad Lib talks about his career in rap in contrast to some of the more mainstream rappers that suddenly appear, only to fade away in the coming years. Its a great message that I feel has significantly played into the decline of hip-hop. Really enjoyed this one.
9. Am I Confused
Through a mellow beat, Quasi basically sings his blues. Not a bad song at all as Mad Lib actually tells us his problems instead of just saying how life sucks. I don't feel bad for him or anything but this was an interesting song. After he is finished rapping, Quasi goes ape shit with the samples, which is a little unneeded.
10. Sparkdala
For the first time on the entire album, we've reached a song that eclipses the three minute mark. The instrumental on here is awesome. Its smooth and doesn't really hit hard, but is still one of the most memorable of the album. Lyrically, this is an ode to marijuana. Not as generic as most of the songs you'll hear nowadays, but this still wasn't anything groundbreaking
11. Green Power
I said I didn't feel sorry for Quasimoto a few songs ago, but that changes in this song. The lyrics aren't even depressing or anything, but the tone of Mad Libs voice along with the hypnotic instrumental make this song some of as genuinely sad. Highly recommend you give this one a spin if any.
12. JFK to LAX
From the Gangstarr song with the same name, we are treated to the second song that passes the three minute mark. Quasi's lifeless voice works surprisingly well on here as he continues to show why he should be able to rap and not just make beats. Speaking of beats, the lyrics and this instrumental are basically synonymous, as they give off a very similar vibe. This song connects nicely with "Green Power" and closes the album in a great way.
Rating: 3.5/5
Yessir, Whatever isn't an amazing release or anything that is going to gain him a huge new fan base, but I really enjoyed listening to it and found it to be very different from most of today's music. Because this is only a collection of song, I think it really shows how much of a genius Mad Lib is, in the sense that this feels like such a complete project. I forgot to mention that this hasn't even been released in the U.S. yet, but I recommend buying it when it comes out on June 18. But only buy the whole album, as the short songs only work when they are listened to together.