One look at the artwork of this CD and there is a guarantee people will get it confused. The “pagan” imagery will have many taken aback. John Graham does not concern himself. His concern is with the quality of what he considers his “last album”. Long story short, Magic: Blanc et Noir is a damn good “swan song”.

 

Lyrically, John stays as sharp as ever. “Speak Love” lets out his grievances against those lovers become full blown naysayers. “Uncivil Rights” makes sure people understand his political and religious views, with agnostic preferential in tow.  He even goes in “Slick Rick Jr.” mode with the storytelling “Life & Imitation”. The words put together on this album have John cutting no slack: he has a distinct message and a way of displaying it.

 

As he walks tightropes like Janelle [Monae] does, the production took a more “musical” turn this album. His last album was more “boom bap”, while this is more “soul stirring” in production. From the previous sampled J-Dilla “Fall In Love” being employed on “Not In Love”. Familiar samples of Sade (“All I’ve Got”) and minimalist productions driven by atmosphere (“Love&War” and “All Seeing Eyes”) bring everything together. Sonically, this album is soul music.

 

Sadly, Magic: Blanc et Noir is going to be a quality album people need to hear but probably won’t. Limited press love and a lack of appreciation for his movement would be the obvious culprits. As far as I can say, though, I will champion his music as much as possible. This type of album brings the needed balance in this hip hop game. In short, people may need to look past the cover art and see the true meaning.