Done by the Forces of Nature

I initially had this at 2.5 stars; although I appreciated the lyrical content right away, I found it to be a bit long and one-note. It musically revealed itself a bit more to me on second listen, and even though I’d probably still cut a few songs (and it’s not my preferred era of this genre), I think it could still continue to rise for me.

3/5

File under: nothing objectively wrong, just not doing it for me.

Solid 80s rap. Sounds like a lot of the other albums I love from that era. I'm surprised I haven't heard of it before. I enjoyed how many big recognizable samples there are in it too.

Alle Songs mit „U“, mit Apostroph- oder Gänsefüßchen sind schlicht schlecht und alle anderen noch schlechter. Es ist HipHop Rap mit nerviger Stimme und sinnlosen Bongos. Diese Musik wäre 1989 möglicherweise die Rettung der Stasi-PR Abteilung vor dem Mauerfall gewesen … so kann ich nur zur Aufnahme im 1-Star Club gratulieren.

This had some old school hip hop vibes. I enjoyed it, and it definitely had its peaks, but it didn’t blow me away.

Good old school hip hop. 2.75

Hadn't heard of them before. Album was fine, had it on in the background, enjoyed it enough.

I got fairly bored listening to this. Very dated hip-hop that really didn't do anything for me.

A fun, early hip hop album that is proudly black and African. Though a lot of the rhymes and flow seem basic by today’s standards, the themes and social consciousness of the album stand out. A lot of the beats are fun and funky, though I feel that a lot of the melodic parts of the album seem to be in tonal conflict, which maybe was a choice, but doesn’t sound great to my ears. I’d probably give it a 3.5/5, but I’ll round up given this album’s significance and acknowledging the “Seinfeld Isn’t Funny” trope that may be coming into play here.

Top tracks: “Doin’ Our Own Dang,” “Acknowledge Your Own History”

I quite like some of the older hip-hop stylings from this era. This one feels a bit underwhelming in terms of the beats though, and the mix is really murky. It feels like it should be way funkier. And it's way too long.

What "U" Waitin' "4"? is a good track, despite the MAD punctuation. Good Newz Comin' has something interesting going on. But it's not enough.

2.5 rounded down

Enjoyed this, very underrated hip hop album, maybe just a little dated now for me to add to my rotation, but worthy place on this list, and easier to listen to than the dates gangster rap.

Today's listen was a breath of fresh air. Jungle Brothers are a hip hop group from NYC who got their start in the late 80's, and are still making music today, and actively touring. They got their come up alongside other groups such as A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. They are said to have greatly influenced the Wu-Tang Clan.

The reason today was a breath of fresh air is because this late 80's style of hip hop is clean, and free of the copious amounts of slander that later helpings of the popular genre "gangsta rap" would include. This "hip hop lite" speaks to the strengths of women instead of the mysogenictic views taken by later artists (ex. the song "Black Woman"). Jungle Brothers also speak about avoiding drugs, and turning down pusher men, instead of indulging in copious amounts of chronic and alcohol, like the themes of gangsta rap entail.

There is no need for a parental advisory on this record, because it's themes are clean, but it's message is intelligent and strong. They don't need to sing about gun violence and throw the 'N word' around to get their point across. This is the style of hip hop that I really enjoy. Something you can blast in your car at a red light with the windows down without fear of being called a racist or a bigot.

Overall, an excellent helping of classic 80's hip hop, and obviously a very influential album. These guys were able to take hip hop, and blend aspects of funk, jazz, and the odd time, disco to it to make a really interesting and memorable sound. I will absolutely listen again in the future. I am really glad I found these guys!

Favorite songs: Doin' Our Own Dang, Tribe Vibes, In Dayz "2" Come, Belly Dancin' Dina, "U" Make Me Sweat, Acknowledge Your Own History, What "U" Waitin' "4"?, Beyond this World, Feelin' Alright, Done By the Forces of Nature, J. Beez Comin' Through, Black Woman, Kool Accordin' "2" a Jungle Brother

Least favorite songs: Good Newz Comin'

4/5

It is pretty crazy how quickly rap as a genre grew, as just five years before this rap was sounding pretty simplistic (in my opinion) and this album sounds a lot fuller in its sound. Sadly, the album still feels pretty dated still, not necessarily lyrically, but in its sound it reeks of 80s in a way that's hard to enjoy. Other than the album is pretty enjoyable, but the length is also pretty unnecessary, as I'm still waiting for one of the hip-hop albums on this list to not far exceed the cool forty minutes I feel most albums work best at.

Love the themes, love the direction of musicality, not too fond of the flow.

Ihan jees hiphoppia, mut ei ihan omaan makuun. 3/5.

Why are all the hip-hop albums of this era so long? They're always an hour plus, and there are inevitably a few obvious filler tracks. The tracks that aren't obvious filler tracks are good though.

It's nice and funky, a fun time to find all the samples. The time before hiphop had to be a certain way. And they've got something to say luckily.
But it never transcends into a great album. Enjoyable and very listenable. Just not great.

Can't believe I've slept on this one all these years! So much forward momentum to the beats. Love the positive vibes.

Rap without the dirty. Enjoyed it, but can't say it blew me away.

Aw yea. The simple kick snare pattern starts this trance like background where instruments and voices come in and fade out. sneaky Parliament sample at the end of Sunshine. Good Newz Comin' is a house beat jam. damn what a cool album.