A week or so ago, I mentioned Kno, of Cunninlynguists, as one of the artists in my rotation. His remix of Jay-Z’s Black Album is probably the best of many attempts to remake Jay’s classic album—far superior to even DJ Danger Mouse’s much hyped, Grey Album. His use of jazz horns and guitars adds a flavor and texture not associated with Hov’s work, but blends seamlessly with the Black Album accapellas.

A Piece of Strange is Kno’s day job. Comprised of Deacon the Villain, Natti and Kno, himself, Cunninlynguists encompasses all the instrumentation of the White Album and adds their own lyrical vision. Strange is a concept album that, “follows the story of a man and those closest to him in their struggles with right and wrong, love and hate, faith and sin.”

Like most Hip Hop albums, A Piece of Strange features guest artists on several tracks. immortal Technique brings his unique flow to Never Know Why. And though it’s hard to imageine Technique’s gritty, east coast flow meshing well with Kno’s laid-back, guitar laden tracks, he rides the beat to perfection, absolutely ripping his verse. Other guests include Cee-Lo from Gnarls Barkley and Goodie Mob, as well as Tonedeff.

Every time I stumble across an album like this, it reminds me why I hold out hope for the Hip Hop community. There is some substance out there. Thank God.

Cunninlynguists - Never Know Why, featuring Immortal Technique

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