Authenticity

Now it’s been a while since I’ve done a review like this; however that was always going to change when my favourite group/duo in the world released a new album. Since forming in 2004, Phonte & Nicolay have taken the Hip-Hop/R&B world by storm and released (what I believe to be) 3 of the greatest albums of the 21st Century. I wanted to do a review as soon as I had heard the album, but there is so much to take in when listening to a Foreign Exchange album that I decided to listen to it for week or so and let it digest properly.

The Last Fall starts off in the same key as their two previous intro tracks and automatically gives you that special feeling which only a Foreign Exchange project can. Nicolay’s unique production style once again outshines that of any other producer in the world, creating the most beautiful and thoughtful sounding music I’ve heard since Leave It All Behind in 2008. Although that was released during October, it had a Winter feel to it - Connected was the perfect Summer album and Authenticity epitomises everything that Autumn is about. I’m intrigued to see if their next effort is going to be the Spring edition, which will complete the most perfect series of music ever made. I hope this will be the case anyway.

Although I couldn’t personally rank their 3 albums in order; I feel as though Phonte’s writing and vocals are better than ever on Authenticity. Since hearing The Listening back in 2003 it’s been simply amazing to see him grow as an artist and the transition of him going from a rapper that sings to a singer that raps. He is the only artist in the world that would make it into my top 10 rappers of all time and my top 10 singers of all time, which says a lot about how important his music is to me and the amount of natural talent he possesses. For example; All Roads and Laughing At Your Plans are lyrically two of the best tracks I’ve heard for years. Music from the soul is hard to find these days; yet ‘Te and Nic seem to find it an effortless task to make every track a heartfelt masterpiece.

I know some people miss him rapping, but Phonte has found his musical soul mate in Nicolay and together they have a chemistry that allows them to make music which is years ahead of it’s time. I know not many people buy albums these days; however independent music like this should be supported and with a price tag of £5.99, there is no reason to illegally download the best album of 2010. Below are all the necessary links you need. If you need any more convincing then you can download The Very Best of The Foreign Exchange that I put together for FREE.

BUY

Phonte
Nicolay