‘Art Supplies’ is the second Art Bleek album on Loungin’, and features the vocal talents of Ursula Rucker, Charlie Sputnik and Mandel Turner, not to mention DJ Pudge MC. It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into this both musically and lyrically, and as the record takes shape songs such as ‘Plat Du Jour’ (Today’s Special’) suggest the concept of a café or bar, its community brought into sharp focus by some of the lyrics. ‘Friends’ is a catchy track with Mandel Turner at the mic, while on ‘Pain Or Pleasure’ Ursula Rucker does a nicely subdued turn with a semi cover version of ‘rescue me’. Musically, Art is a free spirit, integrating funk, soul, hip hop and house into his style as the opportunities arise, with intriguing instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics completing an excellent album.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
