Sooo who wants that ” New Gold”? Well you can find that new gold in Fort Knox Five’s new LP “The New Gold Standard 2” and yes a new standard has been set. This compilation is the sequel to their last project “The Gold Standard” and has proven to me to shine just as hard as most 2009 projects. So what I am saying is F.K.F has not lost a step. I first heard of Fort Knox Five when I (Flex Mathews) was voted one of Urb Magazines Next 100 in 2005. Before I got my write-up in the mag, there they were with a very healthy article being awarded the same honours, and the first words that came out of my mouth were “Who is this?” Now I know. The New Gold Standard 2 has moved F.K.F to the platform of world music and once you listen to this project you will understand why. You will discover funk, salsa, roots rock reggae, hip-hop, smooth instrumentals marinated with saxophones, and all while repping the DMV. That’s right. Fort Knox Five is really big on working with artist from the metro area as you discover this on the song “Homegrown” by the 18th Street Lounge Wednesday night allstar band See-I. If you find yourself in the DC area on Wednesday night it is a must you go past 18th Street Lounge to catch a performance from one of DC’s most original roots band “See-I“. You will not be disappointed. For all those See-I lovers out there they also make a appearance on “How Could You” which is track 7. Currently I am listening to “Sundown” as I write this blog entry which is track 10. Sundown is by “International Velvet” and features “Mustafa Akbar”. Now I admit I have never heard of either International Velvet or Mustafa Akbar, but they do a great job of creating a song which I can only describe as Sammy John over a well strummed Indian sitar. You gotta love it unless your currently in a relationship and are the cheating party. Then Sundown may not be the song for you. Hmm “relationship” that is a great way to describe how well all this songs compliment each other allowing this project to flow beautifully. Last but mos def not the least is “Nappy Riddem” with the song “One World Sovereignty” featuring “Asheru” (A DC legend Asheru is). This song takes time to recognize the political and economical screw ups in our the world. While spilling out rhymes Asheru lets our listeners know “If you scared let me know, but if not then tell pharaoh to let my people go”. I like it and agree with it. Overall my gripes with project are very few. With that being said I would have suggested The New Gold Standard 2 for stocking stuffer. Though after listening to the complete LP I am sure it will be around for the next few Christmas’s to come. You find Fort Knox Five music and everything new that is going on with them at their website http://www.fortknoxrecordings.com/
PEACE
Written by: Flex Mathews
If you want your project reviewed fine me at www.twitter.com/flexmathews or flexmathews@gmail.com
Fort KnoxFive video below titled “Insight” fearturing Asheru. DOPE!!!!
Flex mathews music can be found at http://www.reverbnation.com/flexmathews or www.myspace.com/flexmathews
