Arabesque

The first thing that catches you about Arabesque is his raspy voice that drives his flow. Arabesque’s delivery is pushed to address a range of topics but is never forced. He keeps it cool on his weirdly titled debut, The Frenzy of Renown. Arabesque (aka, Arameic) was introduced to the underground scene with the smooth light-hearted "Mamma Dig Me,” a joint about his girl’s wack mother that is heavily musical and downright charming. "Bellyache,” his next single, was about whining MCs and driven by bumping chords and hard jazz guitar riff. The distinct musicality on Arabesque’s tracks gives him the freedom to address original topics. "Ouwie” uses sharp percussion and jazz horns reminiscent of early A Tribe Called Quest as a platform for Arabesque to kick it about guys, girls, and "metrosexuality.” It seems that big ’Besque can come up with song ideas for days, but his most compelling are the rhymes about his Palestinian heritage. "Occupied” is driven by a deep horn bass line, frantic horn scales and scratch routines that has Arabesque addressing the plight and perseverance of Palestinian, and the possibility of unity with Israelis. Arabesque’s best quality as an artist is addressing serious topics without being boring or preachy; he’s sincere while still being fresh. "Treat” is heartfelt examination of loved ones, both alive and past away with a beat that sounds like a straight DJ Premier mimic — but it works. No pressure, which seems to be Arabesque’s entire successful approach.