Masta Killa
Selling My Soul
(Nature Sounds)

The way at which Masta Killa, member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, approaches the concept of delivery is uniquely hypnotic, a heavily poetic stream of consciousness even. He boasts being a “writer not a rapper” on the track “R U Listening” and it is quite clear he is telling an unwavering truth. The way at which he executes lyrics in smoothed-out contexts over an old school vintage rhythm and blues laid back sample is synonymous with the overall feel of his third solo album, Selling My Soul. Over the instrumental of Tupac’s “Keep Ya Head Up,” he admonishes mainstream society and injustices and on “Dirty Soul,” featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Masta Killa pays homage to influential artists such as Patti LaBelle, Tina Marie, the Isley Brothers, the O’Jays, Parliament, the Jackson 5, Barry White and Curtis Mayfield among others. Between certain tracks, pointed political and racial dynamics are featured in clips of dialogue. The romantic gymnastics of “Soul & Substance” is a breezy love letter saturated with a wickedly funky guitar riff. Selling My Soul is largely laid back and atmospheric while the wordplay is aware and contemplative.