By now many know that the Okayplayer name is synonymous with artists such as The Roots, Talib Kweli, Common and many more. With an established following over the years including one of the better hip-hop websites on the net (Okayplayer.com) it is only appropriate that Brother ?uestlove and company launched a record label, giving their fans what they were salivating for. The Okayplayer faithful have been
known as one of the most influential voices in hip-hop today, after all Okayplayer is the place that gave the world underground sensations Little Brother. The end result is a collaborative effort between hip hop mainstays and underground artists on the rise appropriately entitled “True Notes Vol.1.

    Things kick off with the Aceyalone and Madlib romp, “K.O. Player”, which may appear a bit out of place with the drowning baseline and Aceyalone’s laid back method of attacking the track. Many may expect more from both artists respectively, but don’t fret because things
pick up rather quickly when Little Brother continue their snowballing of the industry as they deliver two beautiful tracks. “On and On” is some another 9th wonder jewel, as Phonte and Big Pooh rifle off at the mouth with Phonte delivering introspective lines like “Niggas be eyeing me down/wanna be my appetite for destruction but I’m dieting now.” “Shake It” may be the quintessential ladies joint as its groovy production allows the duo have some fun without sacrificing their integrity. The haunting vibes RJD2 provides on “I Do What I Like” allow longtime Roots affiliate, Dice Raw, to spread his wings as a solo artist and begin his journey to make the Diceman a staple in hip hop. Femcee phenom, Jean Grae, further stakes her claim in her attempt to become the dominant female of hip hop with her vibrant offering “Fall Back.” Another highlight is the ever rambunctious Skillz tossing around ludicrous one-liners like a playground football on the infectious “Take It Back”, as he spits out lines like “You a playa then move with a limp folk/that ain’t a pimp cup that’s a gotdamn big gulp.” And it wouldn’t be an Okayplayer offering if the Roots don’t fall through. The previously released “Yall Know Who” off of the Wood soundtrack makes its rounds for those who never got a chance to hear it before. Another previously released track is Blackalicious’ “Just What can Happen” which is still a substantial track featuring Gab’s
ridiculous flow. Appropriately closing the curtain on the album is RJD2 with his signature instrumental production on the raw as hell “Act Too”

     Many may have heard about the contest on Okayplayer.com that had up and coming artists across the globe submit entries to be featured on True Notes Vol. 1. Of the thousands of entries submitted the winners were narrowed down to two must be heard acts. The first winner and Justus League affiliates, Nicolay and Supastition, who come correct with the bonafide banger “The Williams” where jazzy defined production
accompany Supastition on his verbal assault about everyone’s worst enemy….bills (hence the name “The Williams, get it?). A very humorous ode with one helluva distinguishable sound make this one of the better moments on the album. The other winner went to Las Vegas representatives The Chapter, who make their mark known as they deliver “For the Wreckord” in the purest form of the Okayplayer sound. Although relatively short, it still makes a positive imprint and shows that there is more to the city of sin than bright lights, rolling dice and big fights. With these two tracks being the upper crust of the album it only raises the talent meter that ?uestlove and company have utilized in bringing some of the better unheard acts to the forefront. A&Rs for hire maybe?

     There are some misses on the album though. While Jean Grae pounded out pure dopeness with “Fall Back” fans may shrug their shoulders with her use of the very sample that M.O.P. and Scarface (My Block)  put to work on their previous material. It’s not that Jean doesn’t rip it, it’s just that it kind of weighs the album down in terms of average material. The same can be said for the extra long skit “Pastor Skillz” where
Skillz cleverly recreates the sound of radio church services with entertaining results. Problem is that on an album with over 15 joints it takes up too much time and space.  There are a few other average tracks but fortunately here the hits outweigh the misses.

    For this being the first album to come from the Okayplayer family it is definitely an album worth checking out. Although it may be inconsistent at times because of all the different personalities bundled into the package, it still shows that those over at Okayplayer have a certain knack for spotting out talent. Maybe next time it will be shaved down a couple of tracks but it is all the more entertaining knowing that ?uestlove and company are able to bridge the gap between established artists and those who are working their way up the hip hop hierarchy. Big ups to
Okayplayer for delivering a solid album and giving a taste of what to expect in the near future.