SB The Moor: "In Babylon!" (Album Review)

Genres: Conscious Hip Hop, West Coast Hip Hop, Political Hip Hop

In Babylon! is 2022’s exciting release from SB The Moor (formerly working under the title Signor Benedick The Moor). For fans of the artist, they get more of what they’re used to, with the album featuring experimental beats and a theatrical rapping style. SB The Moor’s performance on the record is the crux of the project, making songs with underdeveloped production still entertaining. The experimentation of In Babylon! may take the music in a questionable direction at times, but the focus on unorthodox raps and strong lyricism brings it success.

        In Babylon’s production is a mixed bag, where it’s often great, but isn’t handled the best. SB The Moor works nicely when their focus is on delivering clever and stimulating verses. On this album, the beats are more conducive to catchy hooks, which SB The Moor is very hit or miss on. At other times, the production feels so flashy that it draws attention away from the incredible rapping. “Television” is a song that’s able to strike a proper balance between having an entertaining beat, a captivating chorus, and strong verses. Although many songs off In Babylon! have a mix of these qualities, which are executed well, it is rare that all of these aspects are done effectively on a track.

        This album has a number of different elements that work well when isolated, but difficulty arises when there doesn’t seem to be a proper focus. SB The Moor is very clearly a talented and creative individual, but this project falls short in its method of communicating their intriguing concepts. However, these creative ideas are still fully expressed, even if they aren’t as stimulating as they could have been. My criticism of In Babylon! doesn’t take away from the fact that there are important and fascinating ideas broadcasted here. What I hope for is that SB The Moor’s future music is able to more effectively convey these ideas.

Favorite Tracks: Television, ROCKS!mobPSYCHO100, Black Bruce Wayne, Scarlet Moon, YO! Pick Yo Fro!, Immigrant Song

Least Favorites: Tale of the Hyphy Hippie

Enjoyment: Low 7

Critically: Low 7

Arbitrary Number: 7.3/10