Apr 11, 2017 Apple Music - Google Music -Spotify - Tidal Themes The album has a running concept based on a fictional television network called "UBN" (U Black n----s Network), which is a satire of stereotypical programs and advertisements for African Americans. For example, on "Cheatin", Phonte (performing under his alter-ego "Percy Miracles"), spoofs the over-dramatic R&B sagas performed by singers such as R. Kelly and Ronald Isley. Many of the skits contain tongue-in-cheek references to black pop-culture in the United States. Controversy For many reasons, the furor surrounding The Minstrel Show overshadowed the music itself. On August 16, 2005, hip hop magazine The Source's Editor-in-Chief, Joshua "Fahiym" Ratcliffe, announced his retirement due to conflicting opinions on the rating The Minstrel Show was to receive in the next issue of the publication. According to Ratcliffe, his original rating of 4.5 (out of 5) was reduced to 4 by the magazine's Chief Brand Executive, Raymond "Benzino" Scott and CEO Dave Mays because Ratcliffe gave then-upcoming artist Young Jeezy a rating of 4. After they refused to change the rating back to 4.5 he decided to step down from his editorial position. For his part, Benzino admitted at the time of questioning, that he had yet to listen to the album for himself and had no problem with Ratcliffe's original rating. While this may have built up anticipation for the album, another more serious obstacle reared its head when the entertainment network BET (Black Entertainment Television) refused to play the group's video for the single, "Lovin' It", allegedly because they deemed it "too intelligent". Michael Lewellen, a publicist and program director for BET, responded, "It's not true, not in that context. BET reserves the right to show or not to show music videos of any type based on the network's own standards and decision-making processes." In a portion of the video, the group lightly pokes fun at the different stylistic aspects of hip hop subgenres such as "gangsta", "backpack", "earthy" and "icy". The rest of it sees them performing to a zealous crowd. Reviews A.V. Club: A HipHopDX: 4.5/5 Pitchfork: 6.0/10 Spoiler @RateThisAlbum
Apr 11, 2017 One of my all time favorite albums, this was when they stopped taking themselves seriously and made a album that genuinely flows effortlessly and stuck to its theme. Phonte was in the form of his life and had scriptures for days "I love hip-hop I just hate the people in it". Big Pooh keeps pace and of course this was the last time they had 9th man the boards for a full length LP. It is a bit backpack oriented but the social commentary merits a listen and they don't really come off as scoff worthy like most rappers end up when it comes to this type of music (looking at you Lupe).
Apr 11, 2017 i need to revisit this. i bought it the week it came out; i remember liking both the goofier parts and that elzhi song "hiding place." i wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't hold up in hindsight, but who knows. will be back.
Apr 11, 2017 The Listening means more to me because it reminds me of the transition from high school to college but I think The Minstrel Show is technically superior. Production, concepts, skits. Fav tracks: Not Enough, Hiding Place, Lovin' It, All For You, We Got Now. Got to see them perform "Lovin' It" live with Joe Scudda, that was real dope. I think Phonte and Big Pooh signed my copy (I've never met 9th) at Fat Beats. I think it's somewhere between 4 and 5 (out of 5) rating wise.
Apr 12, 2017 I have this sitting in my iTunes and I'm ashamed to say I've never bothered to listen to it even though I love Phonte and his stuff with The Foreign Exchange. I'll rectify this tomorrow.
Apr 12, 2017 This album is one of my personal favourites. It's one of those that I can just put on at any time, and it just takes me back. 4/5. Edit: I would've liked to have given it a higher rating than than 4/5 as I feel dropping a whole point is a bit harsh. (9/10 would be just right) One of my criticisms for this album album is skits/intermissions are pretty childish, and that's the primary reason i couldn't give it a 5/5.
