Known to most as a part of the Los Angeles collective known as the Visionaries, LMNO possesses one of the most unique styles in hip-hip. Depending on whom you talk to, that may or may not be a compliment. His delivery is extremely unorthodox, and if you don’t like it than you probably won’t be able to sit through his entire album. Because of that I have always found him more enjoyable as a part of the Visionaries. Whether it be as a solo or group artist, LMNO always has something of value to say and therein lies his strength.
It has been 3 years since LMNO made his self-titled debut on Battleaxe that featured excellent tracks such as “Grin & Bear It” and “Natural Beauty.” While Economic Food Chain Music” does not pack anything as good as those songs, it is a more even album overall. Having a small group of producers handling the album (KeyKool, Rhettmatic, OHNO, Evidence and Life Rexall), certainly helped keep a cohesive feel throughout. The beginning of the album is particularly strong. KeyKool provides a great backdrop for LMNO to tell the story of the United States, the aptly-titled “Damsel in Distress.” The albums strongest moment comes with the Evidence-produced “LMNO.” Two-thirds of the Lootpack come through for the banging “Life is…A Come Up,” a welcome change of pace.
“1 888” pretty much encompasses the downfalls of this album. LMNO generally has good concepts but he rarely does them justice in their execution. This song is a dedication to his home of Long Beach, and to be honest it is just horribly boring. The beat doesn’t do anything to help the situation and the result is a very dull song. “Hit” suffers the exact same affliction. The unfortunate thing is while many listeners will struggle to pay attention, LMNO is saying plenty of things that are worth listening to. His conscious and spiritual approach is always well-thought out and a much-needed positive attitude to take in. So just as you learn in economics, it is about opportunity cost; if you pass over an otherwise dry song, you are losing out on his words of wisdom. Take your pick.
