Some people may remember Emanon from MTV’s The Cut. Some may have heard of Aloe Blacc and Exile around the good ol OC (not the TV show) with their Acid 9 EP back in 1998. Either way Emanon are planning to branch out further than the experiences mentioned and tap into a whole new market with their debut album The Waiting Room. With Aloe Blacc providing the vocals (emceeing and singing) and DJ Exile providing the sonic backdrops, they make their case early as one of the indy albums of the year.

      One emcee, One Producer- that’s the formula that many of hip hop’s finest groups (Gangstarr is the first that comes to mind) have used to achieve success. There is no better chemistry than one artist directly working with one producer. Unlike today’s albums that give you an overabundance of producers and guest spots, Emanon brings to you Emanon. No guests producers, no guest emcees, it’s just Aloe and Exile.

     The album begins with the radio friendly “Count Your Blessings” as Exile chops reggae to parts unknown as Aloe provides on point lyricism resulting in a complete head nod effect. The double threat is fully exposed on “More Than You Know” as Aloe comes correct both lyrically and vocally on the love tip. They way these songs make you feel automatically makes this album a cut above many others. Songs like “The Words” and “The Waiting Room” are nothing short of remarkable, displaying the chemistry between producer and emcee. But nothing may allow the listener to observe the astounding way these two work together than “A Story” as Exile’s bounding production allows Aloe to careen the beat in ways unimaginable. The beautifully depressing “She Thinks” is another significant moment as Aloe harmonizes his broken heart beyond comparison. While much of this album seems as if it is based on the opposite sex, there are moments that display diverse subject matter.

     “Pseudo” speaks in volumes about the state of the industry and the artists that run around in it today. Basically calling out all the fake ass thugs and everyone who may be faking jacks it is quite entertaining. “Politician” gives the listener a glimpse into the mind of Aloe Blacc as he envisions himself as a politician. But instead of glorifying the life, he uses this moment to bring attention to the work ethic (or lack thereof) that surrounds the average politician’s life.

     Even though there are some experimental moments that we could have lived without (the strange “The World Don’t Sing” and over experimental “Ahh Ouai”), The Waiting Room is a success. Emanon delivers an album that is solid in foundation and is enjoyable to the masses. Unfortunately many may not get a chance to hear this album but that is basically the case of all great hip-hop nowadays.