Defsounds

Late last month I attended a listening session for Roth's debut LP, Alseep In The Bread Isle. After listening to the album, I was asked for my thoughts by his product manager. From first listen, I thought the LP wasn't as diverse as I'd like an album to be. It seemed as if Roth's freshman effort is targeted at a very specific niche market--Hippie college kids and potheads (Cannibus Culture).

I only formulated that assessment because of the material and the fact that it's being released on the notorious 4.20 instead of the usual Tuesday release of...every other album released..ever.

After giving an in-depth listen, I've definitely changed my mind.


Lyrics: - -9

From what we've heard prior to this LP, Roth's lyrics are usually playful and laid back--never really sending a message. It was a pleasant surprise to hear him diversify topics packed with creative wordplay and a few punch-lines here and there.

We are treated to a certain amount of lyrical substance that we normally don't hear in his freestyles and mixtapes.

With the numerous pop culture references and weed talk in Roth's lyrics you may at times feel like you're listening to an episode of Family Guy. It's an unusual treat in the bland state that Hip Hop has been in.

Roth doesn't just spit out names of random tv show characters however, he covers a range of topics, and even delivers the obligatory "for the ladies" track ("She' Don't Wanna Man") that will undoubtedly end up on millions of teenyboppers myspaces simply because of the message.

Production- - 7

The general production of the album is average. Most of the tracks are mellow with a good vibe, however, there isn't one that absolutely blows you away production wise.

You'll hear a good amount of influences in the production. In Lion's Roar feat. Busta Rhymes, you can note a certain essence of Outkast and Bad Day feat. Jazze Pha is reminiscent of an Eminem/D12 production.

The mellow production contributes to the high-quality story telling constant throughout the album, however, at times it is a deterring factor causing the listener to miss out on some great lyrics.

Those seeking amazing beats may look elsewhere.

Songs---9

I mentioned before the amount of substance packed into Asleep In The Bread Isle. Roth runs through a range of topics using clever story telling, wordplay, and rhyme schemes reminiscent of Eminem's The Eminem Show.

The songs are generally solid, however, production is a bit lack luster.

There are a few standout tracks, in La Di Da, Roth delivers a strong message of encouragement over a soulful beat by Don Cannon.

"The aggression when you're finding your direction and headin' non stop, it's defined that the road is blocked. You wanna pop, flip your lid and stomp, but settle down and work it out, it's really all you got."

Roth's Sour Patch Kids is the equivalent of Lupe Fiasco's Little Weapon/ American Terrorist. Roth brings attention to the world's troubles over a production by Oren Yoel.

"Donate your dollars, raise your time up. Help a mother, save a father, cause poverty's probably our biggest problem. And it ain't gonna stop with Obama, to save the world we must start at the bottom"

Finally, the exceptional As I Em, is Roth's retort to the comparisons between him and Eminem. Produced by Oren Yoel and David Appleton, As I Em, is carried by Chester French's hook and Roth's story telling. It is undoubtedly one of the best tracks on this album.

"Fuck it, that's all I got, there's nothing else for me to say. If i don't confront the problem it'll never go away. Unless it is addressed, there's nothing left for me to do. It's impossible rejecting an elephant in the room. Say goodbye to all the bullshit, notions preconceived, so long to all the blogs that coulda sworn they knew me. If you have no further questions and can't think of other thoughts, then I'd like to introduce you to Asher Paul Roth."

Some other stand outs are His Dream, Fallin', and Bad Day.

Conclusion - 8.3

Roth's debut effort is incredibly solid. It delivers a wide range of lyrical substance that at times may go unnoticed because of the lack luster production.

I've alluded to the inevitable comparison between Roth & Eminem throughout the majority of the review.

The similarities between the two are obvious, however, after listening to Asleep In The Bread Isle, its clear that Roth is no Eminem clone. In fact, he offers a fresh alternative--he is the Saints Row To Eminem's Grand Theft Auto. While similar, they're both extremely enjoyable.

The album has it's short comings, the production is entirely too mellow, which may cause the listener to zone out and completely miss out on the great lyrics.

It's also a mere 12 tracks, which is justified by having no skits. However, given Roth's playful nature--some creative and witty skits might've made it a tad more entertaining.

The retail itunes version comes with 3 bonus tracks which would bring the total count up to 15. However, this isn't a review of bonus tracks.

You can check out some cuts from the album below:

Asleep In The Bread Isle hit's stores on April 20th, 2009.You can get your copy here or get the deluxe edition here.