Presto's new album lacking

Capitalizing on the talent of some of the genre’s godfathers, hip-hop producer Chris Douglas (stage name: Presto) may well just have the needed star power behind him to get an audience for his new album, “State of the Art”.

The young producer has yet to cross the threshold to greatness, even as artists including Sadat X of Brand Nubian fame, CL Smooth and Pete Rock, and O.C. of the Crooklyn Dodgers provide Presto with an enjoyable album of jazzy, funk-filled tracks.

The production is top notch; there is not one throw-away beat on the disc. But when you get several former hip-hop giants together who seem to be fading from the limelight, it often results in verses mailed in from rappers hoping that the name recognition of past exploits is enough.

The featured track on the album is entitled “Conquer Mentally.” It features the aforementioned Sadat X and O.C. as well as Large Professor. The interlaced piano makes for an upbeat sound, but the lyrics don’t match the music – a trend prevalent throughout the album. The verses of the song are battle rhymes, but the beat does not have the gritty feel that one would expect from a battle track.

If Presto can get in contact with some of the bright young minds of the industry, he could become a force in the hip-hop world. But he needs to find himself some young talent to produce, a la Prince Paul with De La Soul or Dan the Automator with Kool Keith so he can carve out a more definite niche in the flooded hip-hop market.

“State of the Art” brings to mind the work of RJD2’s “Deadringer” album, which brought the Columbus, Ohio-based producer critical acclaim. The main difference between the albums is that RJD2 did very little in terms of vocals. You could just relax and get into a mood with each beat.

Presto’s album does not allow you to feel the music because you are listening to the words of the emcees through the songs. Eventually, what you hear are uninteresting verses of redundant one-liners or recycled tales of women and booze.

Presto is on the verge of distinguishing himself among the best of today’s young producers. Finding an entirely fresh voice to work with on the next album may just push him over the threshold.