Camp Lo's debut album is a refreshing fusion of
hip-hop,
soul, and
jazz that manages to avoid most
jazz-rap cliches while retaining street credibility.
Uptown Saturday Night doesn't really break any new ground, yet it doesn't sound tired either, primarily because the rappers of
Camp Lo have a deft, graceful rhythmic touch and their producers (including
Ski and
Trugoy tha Dove) are skilled musicians, capable of weaving funky sonic layers that never sound too spare or overloaded. In short,
Uptown Saturday Night, even with its occasional dull patches, is a worthwhile debut. ~ Leo Stanley