Accepted Eclectic

In a hip-hop universe where gallons of ink are spilled each day on the Eminem debate (whiny punk or violent sociopath?) and Puff Daddy’s courthouse blues, it’s no wonder rappers like Aceyalone seem to be so far out in left field. The L.A.-based lyricist is a throwback to a time when people loved hip-hop for its lack of airs, and his latest record, Accepted Eclectic, proves that not all talent comes wrapped in mountains of bullshit. Backed by flowing, almost jazzy arrangements, Aceyalone boasts the sort of clever, funny, and insightful microphone mathematics that Rakim started rocking over a decade ago. Across contagious tracks like “Rappers, Rappers, Rappers” and “I Never Knew,” he deftly mixes old-school flavor with new-school musical ambitions, creating what deserves to be an instant classic. Unfortunately, with everyone’s eyes focused on Jennifer Lopez’ ass, it’ll probably remain out in left field.