As Finnish music swiftly takes over SofaKing Diligent why don’t we take some time out to appreciate a really good hip hop album. More importantly, one you will probably not have heard of. Kenn Starr (I think that’s his real name) comes from Virginia, USA, and after his debut album Starr Status was released he recieved critical acclaim from several large hip hop magazines, including The Source. JIVE magazine even said “There shouldn’t be any argument over Kenn Starr’s status as one of the best MCs in the game.” That’s pretty cool.

If I were to compare Starr Status to an album you may already know, I would most probably use The College Dropout. Now don’t shoot me down yet, I am aware that The College Dropout is considered one of the best hip hop albums of all time, but Starr Status has a very similar feel/vibe to it. The soulful beats, some INCREDIBLY well produced beats, the witty lyrics, the inflated ego, and the fact its his debut album. Let’s just hope that Ken Starr doesn’t go on to use auto-tuner EVER!. 

If you’re worried about not knowing anyone on the album never fear, yes there’s Kev Brown, Wayna, Supastition, Brockington, Median, M-Phazes, Oddisee, Sean Born, Chronkite and Asheru, now no offense to them, but I’ve never heard of any of them before, and I know what you’re thinking right now, he hasn’t reassured me about me not knowing people, however, there’s a feature by an amazingly talented person called Talib Kweli. He put the effort in to deliver a dope verse on the last track “If”, and you should have the courtesy to get this album (legally would be nice) and listen to a future great before he tries to appeal to myspace people.

Favourite tracks: Mr Nice Guy, Middle Fingaz, Back At It Again, If.