Reviewed by Steve Hayes

If you're a fan of satirical indie hip-hop, prophetic-poetic talk music (or "Nerd rap" to use the language of its originator, Tennessee-based Nathan Conrad), then Spoken Nerd is the man. In fact, even if you don't like these styles or don't think you like these styles, Spoken Nerd (Nathan Conrad) deserves your listening attention! And even if you don't normally care to hip-hop, this witty and powerful spiritual communicator should be investigated. Who else starts off a project with the seminal line, "All this time that you thought I was gay/I was looking for a girl like Rachel Ray"?! Beyond this there is the mix of poetry and production that makes you think and consider. With a range of beats including some from the legendary Mars Ill ("Just Another Werewolf In The Night") and some staccato and smooth MC-ing (eg "Synchronicity") through creative, expressive wordplay and delivery ("Snake Assassin"), this is full of neatly executed ideas. Other intelligent tracks include "The Last Real Farmer Alive" and "The Anti Depression" - with grooving breaks and a lyric which succinctly describes this 2010 album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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