Classified seems to have unleash a repressed anger in his latest release. I guess it’s from growing up on the mean streets of…Enfield, Nova Scotia? His 2009 studio album, Self Explanatory, features some prominent Canadian artists – Choclair and Moka Only to name a few. With a backbone of arresting beats, the lyricism remains bold with a quirky and satirical quality.

The title track, “Self Explanatory” mixes LL Cool J’s “Diggy Down,” while making several jabbing references at other artists including 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ –clichéd but clever.

Self Explanatory is an impressive party mix. Fusing the best of old school rap (straightforward and simple beats) with classical rock, this two-time Juno-nominated rapper manages to maintain a current, edgy and marketable sound, proving he is a creative and skilled producer. Containing 22 commanding and up-tempo rhythms the album is mastered brilliantly. (Am I smelling another Juno nod?).

Comparable to most rap artists, Class isn’t afraid to push the limits with his rhymes – masturbation (“Up All Night”), drugs (“They Call This (Hip Hop)”) and guns (“CYOA 4”) all receive honorable mentions. Don’t worry, there is a lighter side to all that. He patriotically raps about “the land of the lost” (a.k.a. his Canadian roots) in “Oh…Canada,” an enjoyable listen to say the least. 

It’s another slam-dunk collaborating with fellow East Coaster, Joel Plaskett, for presumably the best track on the album, “One Track Mind.” If you’re a fan of indie rock, hip-hop or hardcore rap, this song will quench your thirst. The chorus “focused on important s***” hits the stride becoming addictive and memorable.

Using his latest record as a musical journal, Class is able to concentrate on his evolution as an artist while addressing the hip-hop music industry stereotypes. Unconventional or original? You decide.  

Track Listings
Self Explanatory
Get Out the Way
CYOA 1
Up All Night
Quit While You’re Ahead
Inspiration
CYOA 2
Anybody Listening
They Call This (Hip-Hop)
Oh…Canada
CYOA 3
Where are you?
Trouble
Used to Be
Breaking Up
One Track Mind
CYOA 4
Things Are Looking Up
Still Got It
Loonie
CYOA 5
CYOA 6