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The Talent Show (2009)

by Kiyoshi

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1.
The Talent Show Introduction (free) 01:08
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2.
Get Down ft. Vincent Kelley 05:07
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3.
Magnetic ft. Darien Brockington & Buff1 04:45
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4.
The Orgasm Poem (skit) (free) 01:56
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5.
The Black Plague 04:45
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6.
Run Away 03:39
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7.
Dance Tonight ft. Marvin Hawkins 04:45
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8.
Big Buford's Stand-up (skit) (free) 01:58
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9.
Natural High ft. Typoe & Dyrel Johnson 05:04
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10.
Listen Up 04:29
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11.
Slap you with a Donut (skit) (free) 02:56
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12.
No Stress ft. Vincent Kelley 03:48
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13.
Dream 03:49
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14.
Pimpalicious (skit) (free) 01:41
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15.
Slow Down/Gold Digger ft. Akira Shelton 04:04
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16.
Meet the Deadline ft. Rafael Casal 04:02
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17.
And the Winner Is...(skit) (free) 00:50
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18.
The Reason ft. Mina 03:27
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about

Given the stale state of the rap game in recent times, Detroit and its surrounding metro area has become something of an oasis for quality music. With the likes of Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Invincible and Buff1 all having dropped impressive releases over the past year, Ann Arbor’s Yoshi is the next in line to hopefully catch the attention of Hip-Hop fans outside of his locale.

Whilst Yoshi might be a new name to many, the charismatic emcee is a veteran of his hometown scene, a fact that’s evident in the confident and polished feel of this album. Buoyed by the melodic, R&B-tinged production of Akira Charles, “The Talent Show” stands head-and-shoulders above today’s standard underground rap fare, with its funky, full-bodied soundscapes giving the project its own distinctive sonic personality.

The opening “Get Down” sets the tone with Yoshi dropping “feel good rhymes” that aren’t “over your head like billboard signs” over a typically Detroit sounding track full of chunky beats and undeniable soul. Twinkling pianos and space-age keyboards are accompanied by a butter smooth hook from vocalist Vince Kelsey. “Dance Tonight” is a near perfect example of how to craft a club-ready cut without having to appeal to the lowest common denominator and therefore maintain your artistic integrity, whilst “Meet The Deadline” boasts an up-tempo 80s boogie vibe matched with good-natured lyrical bravado.

Yet whilst Yoshi is definitely skilled in making happy-go-lucky head-nod music, he’s about much more than simply party rhymes and cocky swagger. On “Run Away” the rapper weaves the intricate story of a missing child, whilst ‘Listen Up’ bristles with socio-political opinions. “Dream”, arguably the album’s finest moment, finds Yoshi encouraging listeners to chase their ambitions over a mellow backdrop of melodic chimes and soothing saxophone blasts.

At a time when music seems to be becoming increasingly bland and disposable, Yoshi has succeeded in recording an album that has something to offer the mind, body and the soul.

Ryan Proctor

credits

released February 24, 2009

All tracks produced by Akira Shelton except "Slow Down/Gold Digger" produced by Nevin Thomas

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all rights reserved

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Kiyoshi San Diego, California

Kiyoshi is a world premiere rapper, singer, rap coach, and music producer. He combines soulful lo-fi and boom bap hip hop with house & world dance music. Kiyoshi has over 20 years of live performance experience under his belt and has performed for over 100,000 people during his career. ... more

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