Localized Toki Wright

Toki Wright, A Different Mirror
(Rhymesayers)

There is a certain disconnect in the opening of Minneapolis rapper Toki Wright's A Different Mirror. The first number, spoken-word piece “Foundation,” calls for a deeper understanding of human nature, asking, "What if we truly looked at ourselves?"  But the next track, “More Fiya,” comes with formulaic braggadocio and disses like, “You hang around more deadbeat dogs than Michael Vick.” It’s not the only time the record sounds like a retread: The soul-and-synth production sounds like the turn-of-the-millennium work from Common and Haiku D’Etat, and the George W. Bush sample that opens “State Of Emergency” compounds the rant’s tired, didactic feeling. Wright’s greatest strengths are his hard-nosed work ethic and love for community, qualities that have earned him the nickname “The Unofficial Mayor Of Minneapolis.” But those qualities, which shine on highlights “Good” and “The Law,” are not enough to take this record to the next level, especially considering the company he keeps on the Rhymesayers label.

Grade: B-
Upcoming show: June 26, 7th Street Entry