Bread – “A Breath of Fresh Air” (Album Review)

Bread is a 45 year old MC from Los Angeles, California who first emerged in 1999 as a member of the group Kaliwild. He eventually went solo a couple years back by dropping his debut EP New Bread but after signing a joint deal with SomeOthaShip Records & Fat Beats Records, he’s ready to drop a full-length debut on top of everyone’s heads.

“Let Us Begin” is a 2-minute synth-laced opener saying it’ll be as it was in the beginning once it’s all said & done whereas the peaceful “Star” with Lord Jamar & Sadat X finds the trio saying they’re happy as such. Gemini, Keak da Sneak & UR67 tag along for the shimmering “Feels So Good” talking about being happy with where they are now just before the Nottz-produced “What Love Is” goes for a moodier sound & the lyrics detail the definition of love according to Bread.

Meanwhile on “Christie”, we get a slap happy tribute to a woman whom Bread proclaims as a mistress leading into him going into a more summery vibe asking for “Worldwide Peace”. He later boasts his rapping prowess with the luscious “Cornbead” while the song “Eye 4 Eye” works in a keyboard & dusty drums to get political. The penultimate track “God’z Return” with Planet Asia has a more minimal sound telling the Devil to get the fuck out & the Big Shug-assisted closer “Nice Like That” is a jazzy tribute to the late Guru.

As solid as New Bread was, I think A Breath of Fresh Air happens to be his best work yet. He achieves his goal of showing listeners that the style of hip hop that he brings to the table is still thriving with it’s refined production & improved lyricism.

Score: 8/10