FESTIVA CD REVIEW: Shawn Elliot - 'Abstract Me'

Shawn Elliot waxes romantic through much of his third album "Abstract Me."

And he drops some excellent hip hop love songs. But the real highlights on this album come when he tackles more poignant subjects.

The album opens with arguably the best hip hop track from a Valley artist this year. The first track, Bittersweet, samples the Verve's famous Bittersweet Symphony. It opens with spoken word poet Will Da Real One, who has been featured on HBO's Def Poetry.

Will Da Real One speaks of the state of hip hop and music. Of staying driven. Of being true, and of making a difference rather than filling your wallet.

This is a topic that hits close to Elliot's heart as well. Elliot moved to the Valley earlier this year from South Florida. He's growing an interest in hip hop through not-for-profit programs. He works with collaborator and singer Lamar Jones to teach children about music at the Boys and Girls Clubs and in school districts.

So obviously, the man is passionate about social responsibility.

He's also passionate about artistic integrity.

Elliot is a veteran independent artist, and he voices his frustration at the state of the industry. He blasts rappers who get famous on lies. He bookends the album with the second strongest track, Cool Like That.

This battle rap calls out mainstream artists who get rich off poor work.

"This is a call to arms my fellow artists," Elliot yells during a break from his verses.

This is when Elliot is at his best.

His flow is tight and his rhymes are clever. Abstract Me is an introspective and deep album, one that's very refreshing for fans of smart hip hop. Elliot never lapses into lazy word play, clichés or amateurish sounds. And for the most part, his beats hit perfectly.

On an album bursting with love songs, Elliot wisely employs many hooks by R & B singers. Ordinary Love and Beautiful Angel are far and away the best of this bunch. The only lull comes during some of the weaker love songs. On multiple listens I found myself skipping these songs about relationships and yearning for love.

But for every track I skipped, I gave another song multiple listens. Elliot is a versatile MC, and you'll appreciate his skill.

Another Day in Paradise tackles the everyman's struggle to just make it by. And MVP rocks a danceable beat. It's a good mixture and helps the album flow well.

Elliot's a professional with a college degree in sound production, and it really shows on this album.

Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.