KAM- Made in America Review

Kam’s sophmore album Made in America couldn’t have been released in more of a pivitol time. Racial tension (like today) were brewing, The King Riots, America vs Hip Hop, The OJ Simpson trial, and in the midst, Hip Hop was becoming more of a billion dollar enterprise.

Even though political acts like Brand Nubian, Public Enemy,  Ice Cube and others were trying to Fight the Power while facing declines, KAM was able to provide the balance.  Him being as apart of the Nation of Islam boosted his rep and with Minister Farrakhan getting his historic Million Man March.

The firey intro from Minister Louis Farrakhan was the perfect opener for what would be considered a very militant album. But at the same time Kam understood that he knew that he had to balance both worlds and also make his message listenable.

Kam knew the that the landscape has changed since his 1993 debut. The Chronic came out and pretty much changed the sound of the culture. The sample heavy hard knock Bomb Squad sound was played by 1995 so Kam recruited some of the West coasts bests to provide that funk.

DJ Battlecat, DJ Quik, Ea Ski, Cold 187, Warren G, and Big Jesse were brought aboard for Made in America and they gave enough for Kam to come through with crisp production.  When you check out the DJ Quik produced Thats My N!gga.. He even influenced Quik to tap into his militant side with a verse which was considered “abrasive”

The Battlecat assisted Trust Nobody and In Traffic are other standouts where Kam talks about how as a Black Man in America he can’t trust nobody from the police from even at times his own people.  In Traffic is possibly the lightest song on the album as he takes you a journey of his life in storytelling fashion.

Pull your Hoe Card was possibly the albums most controversal as he calls out his cousin Ice Cube. He didnt mention his name but people can already tell who he’s talking about. Another dope gem was Keepin the Peace which was a pledge for brothers to unify for a cause.

This is possibly Kam’s finest work in terms of balancing social commentary, solid guests and sharp production.  This album is DEFININITELY worth adding to the collection.  Especially with the epic times we’re facing in the world, Kam’s message is more potent than ever.

King Eric Rating: 10 outta 10