Blue Scholars

Track Listings

1. Solstice Intro

2. Blue School

3. Bruise Brothers

4. Motion & Movement

5. Selfportrait

6. Freewheelin

7. Inkwell

8. Burnt Offering

9. Evening Chai

10. Blink

11. Sagaba

Blue Scholars,Blue Scholars,Blue Scholars,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop

Blue Scholars

Blue Scholars

Bayani
Average customer rating:

A must have

what a great cd

Love these guys

Perhaps the best hip-hop album you'll hear all year

A phenomenal album from a phenomenal band

Bayani
Blue Scholars
Manufacturer: Massline / Rawkus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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Common Market

Lovework

Blue Scholars

Champion Sound

Gutterfly

ASIN: B000Q66HX2
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

Baha'I Healing Prayer
Second Chapter
Opening Salvo
North By Northwest
Ordinary Guys
Still Got Love
Bayani
Loyalty
Fire For The People
Xenophobia
The Distance
Back Home
50 Thousand Deep
Morning Of America
Joe Metro

Album Description

"Bayani" marks a creative and emotional leap forward for Blue Scholars. The four years since recording their first album has been marked by four years of war and uncertainty. People everywhere are looking for answers, growing tired of the banality and repetitiveness of the music and culture that currently dominates the airwaves. Similar to the wave of protest music that emerged during the Vietnam war, "Bayani" is a statement record stamped with the anger, depression and the slowly emerging hope of these uncertain times. Less sloganeering and more storytelling, Bayani showcases a more focused Geologic and a polished Sabzi coming into their own as a premier DJ-emcee duo. "The Distance" tells the story of a working-class immigrant, accompanied by a dark melodic soundscape that recalls a Philippine dance song. Geo also flexes his narrating skills on "Joe Metro," an ode to Seattle's lone form of public transportation and "50 Thousand Deep," recalling the 1999 "Battle in Seattle" at the historic WTO protests.

Customer Reviews:

A must have .......2007-07-28

I purchased this album based on all the reviews and boy I'm glad I did. This album is solid from top to bottom. Have to echo Alan Pounds' review in stating that this album is the best of 2007, thus far. Geologic's lyrics blow my mind. It's refreshing to hear a hip hop album that is free of all the boisterous materialistic rhymes that are commonly heard nowadays. The beats by Sabzi are also on point. My favorite song is "Joe Metro." Although all the songs are good. If you are a true hip hop head get this album...

what a great cd.......2007-07-26

I have been a fan of blue scholars after seeing them at bumpershoot 2006 I had to get this album. Its awesome. They have such a positive message to send to people and they tie a lot of seattle in to it as well. They hardly curse I think I heard a bad word twice in all the songs. My favorites are north by northwest, fire for the people, joe metro, and bring em back home. A great way to help out a local seattle duo and get some gret tunes!!!!

Love these guys.......2007-07-02

I originally went to this album's release party in Seattle at Easy Street Records with a friend. My friend had been a big fan for a while and had always had me listen to their music from his iPod. I had always just said they are okay. When I went to their release party and listened to them live, that is when I really started to like them. They are really good live. I didn't have the money at the time to buy the album and have them sign it but I just bought it yesterday and immediately put it on my iPod. If you have a chance to see these guys live, I highly recommend it. They are awesome. I even chatted with them about politics a bit. Good old "Ordinary Guys" from my hometown (Seattle).

Perhaps the best hip-hop album you'll hear all year.......2007-07-02

At only the seven-month mark of the year, I feel very comfortable hailing "Bayani" as one of the best hip-hop albums of 2007. If you haven't yet discovered the prowess of Geologic (rhymes), and Sabzi (beats), let me be the first to tell you that you are missing out. The bond between the two is inseparable. They create a unity that is often rightly compared to that of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, or DJ Premier & The Guru. That sounds far-fetched, but these two really have all the tools, passion, and soul to live up to these legends.

The Blue Scholars bring their strongest work to the table for their most anticipated album of their still-growing career - "Bayani". Geologic stepped up his rhymes from the last two albums nicely. His lyrics are more focused and concise than before. It's pure poetry filled with some of the most outstanding political and socially consciousness in hip-hop today. He is arguably the most intelligent protest rapper to come along in the past 5 years. But on the other hand, as track 5 exemplifies, they are just "Ordinary Guys". The statements made aren't overtly political, and can be respected by most anyone besides your right wing extremists.

Sabzi has also really grown over the course of the last 2 albums. His production is jammed packed with ideas just as fresh as Geologic's rhymes. I have always loved Sabzi's production, as it's always been very soulful and unique from the norm, even in underground circles. He's nearly today's equivalent of DJ Premier. His timing is ridiculously on-point, and it seems his soundscapes have their very own stream of consciousness. He brings a lot of emotion to the table with only the beats, it makes the album feel that much more personal. All the production is kept in-house, and handled by Sabzi, which is nearly unheard of nowadays.

The Blue Scholars have been one of my favorite groups since I saw them perform live with Zion I in Minneapolis right after the "Long March EP" was released (also essential material!). Their live show still stands as one of my favorite hip-hop shows I have ever seen (and I've seen close to 60). The duo was so tight together; Sabzi would even do the back-up vocals to all their songs. Their unity was, and still is just incredible.

Overall, The Blue Scholars have created an album that will stand the test of time. It's also incredible that after only two underground releases under their belt, that "Bayani" was picked up by Rawkus Records. The quality of the record can only heighten their respect as they are finally getting a shot at some major distribution. The Blue Scholars have been blowing up from day one, and they will continue to do so. Be sure to peep out what may be the best hip-hop album of 2007.

A phenomenal album from a phenomenal band.......2007-06-17

Blue Scholars at their best! An incredible album that deserves national attention. If you're thinking of purchasing this album do it! This is hip hop with meaning and a real sound. Some personal favorites from the album include Morning For America, Still Got Love, North By Northwest, Fire For The People, but to truly experience the full affect you must listen to the album face to face, which is easy as it's easily one of the best albums to come along in quite some time. Keep up the good work Blue Scholars!

Average customer rating:

Solid CD from Sea-town
Never heard of them before, but DAMN!
A Perfect Album
Who Are These Guys? (4.5 Stars)
Worth every penny and then some.

Blue Scholars
Blue Scholars
Manufacturer: Blue Scholars
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00092ZKZO
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Tracks:

Solstice Intro
Blue School
Bruise Brothers
Motion & Movement
Selfportrait
Freewheelin
Inkwell
Burnt Offering
Evening Chai
Blink
Sagaba

Customer Reviews:

Solid CD from Sea-town.......2006-05-13

I for one am happy that the Blue Scholars have had the sucess they rightfully deserve. Being that an unnamed bitter emcee has been holding the keys to Seattle and only exposing the groups he's interested in, it is a breath of FRESH AIR that the Blue Scholars have taken over the Seattle sceene.

Geo's rhymes... dope!

Sabzi on the beats... dope! (what more is there to say)

The expanded version of the LP has the track "The Ave" (which he shouts out a record spot I worked at at the time) along with 3 more cuts and a music video. A decent introduction to the group, but with a little too much filler. If this was boiled down into an EP... crazy!!! But, reguardless this album is a welcome collection along sides with "Do the Math," "Classic Elements" & "14 Phathoms Deep." (other classic Seattle hip-hop LPs most of you don't know about)

Be sure to check out Sabzi's other project "Common Market" with emcee Ra Scion. I honestly like it more than the Blue Scholars ish, but that's just me.

Never heard of them before, but DAMN!.......2006-03-22

Wow. Never heard of these guys before. Sabzi and Geologic have great chemistry and the album has dope beats and lyrics. Probably one of the top albums of the year, yet most people have yet to hear about them. Top Songs: Blink, Sagaba, Burnt Offering, Bruise Brothers, Blue School, The Ave (expanded re-release album has 14 tracks, this is #12).

GO BUT IT NOW! You will not be disappointed.

A Perfect Album.......2006-02-09

I don't have much to add to all these other reviews. I discovered these guys randomly, and I thank God for that. I have the re-release, purchased from their website, and it is probably one of the 5 best Hip-Hop albums I've ever heard. Don't sleep on this.

Who Are These Guys? (4.5 Stars).......2006-01-08

I believe I have the expanded re-release (the one with the brown cover), but Amazon.com doesn't have it. It's basically the same album with three more songs (12. The Ave, 13. Life & Debt, and 14. No Rest For The Weary), a booklet with the lyrics, and a video for "Freewheelin". In order to watch the video, you'll have to download Quicktime if you don't have it already.

At any rate, this album is superior to just about anything I've heard this year (with One Be Lo's S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. LP being the lone exception). The production is different from anything you've ever heard, yet totally familiar. They're funky, smooth, and melodic.....Sabzi definitely laid some heat on this LP. I'm officially hooked on his sound after just one listen. As far as the rhymes, Geologic is just as tight on the rhymes as Sabzi is on the beats. He rhymes with a purpose.....a tatic that's slowly becoming exstinct in rap music. It's as perfect a blend of rhymes and beats as you're going to find.

As far as flaws, I've yet to find/hear any. The replay value is great here, the beats are on point, and the lyrics are tight, intelligent, and smooth. There are NO wack tracks here. Well, "The Ave" is skippable. It's not wack, but I tend to skip it because it's kind of boring. The same can be said for "Life & Debt".

It's crazy that I've never heard of these guys before. If the magazine I write for hadn't sent it to me for review, I'd probably still be unaware of who these two guys are. They may be all the way on the otherside of the country (Seattle, Wa), but they have a new fan/promotional tool right here in Washington, DC now.

Geologic and Sabzi have something going here. They have a connection as a producer and emcee team that you rarely hear in hip hop (like Guru & Primo, Kweli & Hi Tek, or Pete Rock & CL Smooth). I give this album two thumbs way, way, way up. I'd highly recommend buying this. If you come across this album in a store, snatch it up. Don't even think about it, just get it. I know I'll be bumping this for AT LEAST the next six months.

Standout Tracks: Blink (My Favorite), The Inkwell, Solstice: Intro, Freewheelin', Bruise Brothers, Evening Chai, selfPortrait, Burnt Offering, Sagaba, and Blue School

Worth every penny and then some........2005-11-24

I've been listening to this album for a over a year now and I love it just as much as the day I first heard it. Geologic's rhymes are thoughtful and clever while Sabzi's beats are fluid and movement-inducing. "Bruise Brothers" and "Blink" are my personal favorites and if you're on this page and pondering a purchase you SHOULD GET IT.

Average customer rating:

Near Perfect - rep'n the Northwest
Similar to Blue Scholars, but better?
An enticing and rhythmatic sound unlike any other
Who Are These Guys? (4.5 Stars)
Scholarly

Blue Scholars
Blue Scholars
Manufacturer: Blue Scholars
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Common Market
Lovework
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Blue Scholars
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ASIN: B000E6UKK0
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Tracks:

Solstice: Reintroduction
Blue School
Bruise Brothers
Motion Movement
Selfportrait
Freewheelin
Inkwell
Burnt Offering
Evening Chai
Blink
Sagaba
Ave
Life & Debt
No Rest for the Weary
Freewheelin [*][Multimedia Track]

Album Description

Blue Scholars proves the immense power of hip-hop's tried and true empirical formula. The combination of Geologic's honest reflections about community and struggle with Sabzi's melodic and soulful production form a distinct sound and exceptional chemistry only exhibited by duos such as Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Gang Starr, and Blackalicious. Like its predecessors, the duo has masterfully created a complete self-titled debut album that embodies the spirit of hip-hop's essence of resistance & celebration amidst the backpacks and bling of the next millennium. This enhanced pressing features the music video for 'Freewheelin'. Light In The Attic Records. 2006.

Customer Reviews:

Near Perfect - rep'n the Northwest.......2007-03-13

As a Northwest native, pride may creep into this review, but this is legitimately one of the best albums from last year. The sad thing is, if my boy from Seatown hadn't brought this out to Colorado for me, i might have slept on it. Sabzi is unbelievable, and I've been listening to Common Market for a few. I think this project goes even further, with Geologic's flow feeling a little more distinctive. Pure, raw, concious, and butter smooth hip-hop, representing the Northwest with a sly wit that'll make anyone who's been there smile. Get this album! Check out Lifesavas for some Oregon flavor of the Quannum variety (new album in April), and support indie rap from YOUR hometown. It's great to see this creeping out of the B.B.P. shadow up there.

Responding to a previous reviewer, I dont see any credit to the Soul Position comparison. I like S.P. and much of both of their solo works, but it only takes one listen to RJ's stuff (esp. his new album, The Third Hand) to see that he is on a different frequency from, well... everybody else. Innovative for sure, and one of the best producers out there, but There is no comparison to Blue Scholars smooth, rolling beats, and true hip-hop perspective. I see nothing in Blueprint's unique, squaking, emotional, and broken flow to compare to Geologic's slippery cadence that seems too ooze smoooove like a blunted Gab.

HEADS, COP THIS!

Similar to Blue Scholars, but better?.......2006-09-08

If you like this CD then you will almost assuredly like Soul Position featuring Blueprint as the MC and RJD2 on the beats. Sabzi is good, but I personally don't think he can hold a candle to RJ's ingenuity. If you like just tight beats then checkout Dead Ringer by RJD2 on the Def Jux label. Blueprint's rhymes are socially relevant with songs like "Hand Me Downs" and the tales he tells in the recent CD "Things go Better with RJ and Al" on the songs "Keys" and "Drugs, Sex, Alcohol, Rock-n-Roll" (also a personal favorite of this type of song is "A Night to Remember" from the Unlimited EP) are great to hear even without music in the background. But, at the same time they can keep it light with songs like "Blame it on the Jager" and "I Need My Minutes".

IF you are a true hip hop fan and think that the Blue Scholars CD was at least a 2 out of 5, then check out Soul Position with RJD2 and Blueprint. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

An enticing and rhythmatic sound unlike any other.......2006-03-09

These two cats from Seattle, WA are becoming the best thing to come out of Seattle since Starbucks. While Sabzi lays the most unorthodox beats I've ever heard, his partener in crime, Geologic, is spitting a poetic mixture of social issues and satire that make the audience go 'OOOHH.' This album, along with The Long March and Common Market-by RA Scion, are a neccessity in any true hip-hop fans CD arsenal.

Who Are These Guys? (4.5 Stars).......2006-02-14

This album is superior to just about anything I've heard this year (with One Be Lo's S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. LP being the lone exception). The production is different from anything you've ever heard, yet totally familiar. They're funky, smooth, and melodic.....Sabzi definitely laid some heat on this LP. I'm officially hooked on his sound after just one listen. As far as the rhymes, Geologic is just as tight on the rhymes as Sabzi is on the beats. He rhymes with a purpose.....a tatic that's slowly becoming exstinct in rap music. It's as perfect a blend of rhymes and beats as you're going to find.

As far as flaws, I've yet to find/hear any. The replay value is great here, the beats are on point, and the lyrics are tight, intelligent, and smooth. There are NO wack tracks here. Well, "The Ave" is skippable. It's not wack, but I tend to skip it because it's kind of boring. The same can be said for "Life & Debt".

It's crazy that I've never heard of these guys before. If the magazine I write for hadn't sent it to me for review, I'd probably still be unaware of who these two guys are. They may be all the way on the otherside of the country (Seattle, Wa), but they have a new fan/promotional tool right here in Washington, DC now.

Geologic and Sabzi have something going here. They have a connection as a producer and emcee team that you rarely hear in hip hop (like Guru & Primo, Kweli & Hi Tek, or Pete Rock & CL Smooth). I give this album two thumbs way, way, way up. I'd highly recommend buying this. If you come across this album in a store, snatch it up. Don't even think about it, just get it. I know I'll be bumping this for AT LEAST the next six months.

Standout Tracks: Blink (My Favorite), The Inkwell, Solstice: Intro, Freewheelin', Bruise Brothers, Evening Chai, selfPortrait, Burnt Offering, Sagaba, and Blue School

Scholarly.......2006-02-04

These guys are really polished, and Sabzi's beats are off the hook. Good delivery. Recommended if you're into De La or Little Brother. I never really knew Seattle had much of a hip-hop scene, but I guess they do, huh.
-Daniel

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