Mr. Brown - Paper or Plastic?

During the SUAF event at Livewire last Thursday Mr. Brown was in the crowd with copies of his new album, and I'm glad I was there to get one. A member of the Dope Sandwich crew, and 1/5 of the Union of Sacred Monsters, Mr. Brown's solo project is tight. His dense lyrical stylings, paired with fresh beats from Alex Goose, DJ Trademark and DSP's Old Nick, make the final product something that requires a couple of listens to really absorb.

"Train of Thought" (Produced by Alex Goose)


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These aren't easy to learn hooks over club beats, and at times Mr. Brown just spits so hard that he forgoes hooks at all in exchange for narrative raps that blend highly personal moments with outlandish fiction (like re-telling the story of brawl in a doctor's office over some medication on "Feels So Good").

What I really appreciate about this album, besides the good music contained within, was the packaging. Everyone and their mother's have albums in jewel cases, or cardboard sleeves, but Mr. Brown packaged up his joint in a brown paper bag, possibly the most hip hop packaging I've ever seen - a) it creatively cuts cost, and b) it's the same size bag they sell 40s in at the gas station. At first I thought it was just brown paper wrapping around the CD case, but once I got it home, it unfolded to reveal stickers with designs and credits, and also had a sticker inside. Kudos for originality.





Download.

Hopefully, the whole album will be for sale online soon, but until then, you'll probably have to catch Mr. Brown at the Jinx on Hip Hop Night to nab a copy. Also keep an eye out for the USM's EP that will be dropping in July.