On Friday night, I had one of those family emergencies that set off a whirlwind of activity, one of the keys components being a five hour drive that started @ approximately 10pm. After an exhausting day, it was the last thing I wanted to do, but it’s family. What it did afford me was plenty of time to catch up on my listening.

I didn’t manage to cover much material though, because I got stuck on Starlito and Burn One’s Renaissance Gangster. When I swiped @ Star’s lack of cohesion in recent projects, I meant it yet I assume the emcee knew he had a trump up his sleeve with this project. For everything earlier mixtapes lacked, Renaissance… made up for it, greatly assisted by Burn One assuming full production duties and the thematic approach taken lyrically.

Over the past few years I’ve learned that it’s key to overlook the leaks and wait to see how a song fits into the context of the album. “Tired Of Being Tired” and “Alright” both stand well alone. But once placed side-by-side with the rest of Renaissance…, they prove to be key puzzle pieces that reflect the tone and content of the whole release.

While pulling one track won’t sell the project, I understand that you need audio proof. For purists, “What Was I Thinkin’” is Starlito’s lyrical exhibition, reminiscent of his early 2-3 zone joints by Burn’s selection of David Porter’s oft-sampled Stax hit to provide the foundation.

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Download — All Star – “What Was I Thinkin’” (Prod. by DJ Burn One)

Renaissance Gangster’s on iTunes now for $7.99. Remember those iTunes gift cards you got for Christmas? Burn one of those the right way.

Buy — DJ Burn One Presents Starlito As Renaissance Gangster