Brand Nubian - Fire in the Hole

Hip-hop has changed tremendously since Brand Nubian's heyday in the early 1990s, but Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar have stayed the course with an impressive commitment to making meaningful music. Fire in the Hole feels anachronistic at times, and not only because the crew hasn't really revamped its flows. Their attempts at social relevancy on songs like "Still Livin' in the Ghetto," "Momma," and "Soldier's Story" mark a welcome throwback to a different era. They also show that they can box with their contemporaries on songs like "Always Mine" and "Whatever Happened?" as they flex lyrical styles that can run with the young. It's not the most polished album in this group's long history, but at a time when most of their peers have faded out or fallen off, Brand Nubian suggests that hip-hop's retirement age might yet last beyond 35. --Oliver Wang Amazon.com

FIRE IN THE HOLE brings abit of heat but not enough.

After the reunion album "Foundation" in '98 many, myself included, thought Brand Nubian were back for good. They kind of disappeared off the charts again after that for afew years but this time they didnt benefit from it. Grand Puba dropped the average "Understand This" then came this. Although this is FAR from wack, it just isnt as tight as "Foundation". They handle all the production themselves so there's no phat DJ Premier, Showbiz or Buckwild tracks to rock to. For the most part Lord Jamar handles 90% of it+does a good job. Theres some excellent tracks such as "Who Wanna Be A Star?", "Young Son", "Where Are You Now?" and "Just Don't Learn". However unlike another reviewer I felt it became dead sonically+predictable over the next few tracks "Still Livin In The Ghetto", "Momma" and "Got A Knot". "Coming Years" is a jazzy, soulful joint with a wonderful message and is classic Brand Nubian. "Whatever Happened...?" is where the group go through their history before and after getting their deal over an average sounding beat that they still manage to pull off. "Always Mine" is on the same level as the 1st 4 tracks. Great beats+rhymes from all 3 mcs. One of the best tracks on show here. "Ooooh Child" is a remake that sounded just abit dated to me. It doesnt really add anything new to the pot. Finally "Soldier's Story" brings the proceedings to a close. Its a dedication of sorts to fallen comrades thats rocked over a rolling, army drummer type beat. Its certainly different sound than they are normally associated with as Puba chants "I dont know what you've been told, but Brand Nubian never sells its soul", true facts. Nice addition if you're die-hard Nubian fan. March 2, 2007

Quality Hip Hop

as only you would expect from some masters of the game that are true pioneers. So many jewels dropped for the younger generation as well as a sweet ode to all the mothers of the world doing their job on the trak Mama. Much love to the god body mcs, recommended for the hip hop purists who love that music that touches your soul and feeds your head, aint that what music's supposed to do? August 29, 2004

almost a dissapointment... but ends up satisfying

I have been listening to and buying dozens of the hip-hop "classics" over the last couple of years, and I heard that Brand Nubian was coming out with a new album about a month before it would drop. I was not yet familiar with them, but I had heard comparisons to Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul and I bought Nubian's "One For All" to gear up for this release. It took a few listens, but eventually I embraced that album and was looking forward to this one.
These were my feelings after I heard the first four songs on "Fire In The Hole": The three of them had been listening to too much commercial hip-pop over the last six years; drugs, sex, anger, thug-life and other tempting evils had finally gotten to them; drugs can ruin great minds (just assuming, they look high in the photo on the inside cover); they know that this isn't going to sell to the masses so why do they have to follow today's ever-changing rap trends; and what happened to their Islam morals and priciples? I was definitely worried for what I was in for, and I took a little time in between before I started the cd up at track 5.
This is where I started to have a change of heart. "Still Livin' In The Ghetto" is a strong joint and tracks 4-8 are the shining moment in this album. The last two are solid as well. I began to understand their angle and listening through tracks 1-4 again was tolerable after this realization. "Young Son" is a strong effort, and "Just Don't Learn" became my favorite track, with an mind-boggling great third verse.
It was just hard to stomach at first because of the strong swearing and dark imagery that they offer. They definitely have changed over the last 14 years. You don't get any 5% Islam rhetoric but many of the songs contain an uplifting or valuable message, just in a darker way than "One For All." I almost wonder if they had to follow some record label agenda, and still some positive and spiritual themes manifest throughout the album.
"Fire In The Hole" will not go down as a classic, but I recommend it highly over the Jadakiss', the D12's, the Nellys, the Kanye Wests, or whoever the hell is "hot" right now (I don't follow that anymore). It might sound similar to the commerical stuff at first, but at the end of the day it offers much more and leaves an impression. August 15, 2004

Brand Nubian- Fire In The Hole

Brand Nubian have released there latest album called "Fire In The Hole" (2004). The trio of Grand Puba, Sadat X, Lord Jamar provide a short enjoyable twelve track album. DJ Alamo and Lord Jamar provide production while guest appearances come from Starr and Aisha Mika.

The album opens with the solid lead single "Who Wanna Be A Star?" (It's Brand Nu Baby!). Next comes "Young Son", a track where Brand Nubian lay down some real life lessons for the boys who need to become men. First track I am really feeling is "Where Are You Now?" feat. Starr, like the beat, first class chorus and concept to this track . Brand Nubian excell on the fastpaced "Just Don't Learn", and then reunite with Starr for another standout cut "Still Living In The Ghetto", a track where Brand Nubian talk about peoples poverty and struggle to make it in the ghetto while asking when will things change. Brand Nubian then get sentimental on "Momma" a nice tribute to the women who brought them up. Not really feeling the experimental "Got A Knot". One of my favourite tracks on this album is "Coming Years", Brand talks about being grounded while advocating improving ones life, escaping the game and overcoming obstacles. "Whatever Happened...?" is about time passing and what happens to some people, jail, pregancy and fall outs. I like Brand Nubian's use of oldschool sampling like on the love based reunion track "Always Mine". One of my favourite oldschool songs is the original "Ooh Child" by the Five Stairsteps, BN brings it back with Aisha Mika, an inspirational track about working hard and making it. Loving this remake as its one of those positive tracks with alot of meaning behind it. Brand Nubian closes there album off strong with "Soldier's Story", first paying tribute to famous Black leaders and Rap artists who died to early, then dropping a hardcore story of war and death.

This is an album which will most likely be slept on by the masses. Brand Nubian is not in the spotlight these days, but they continue to create substantial music fourteen years after there debut album. I like the beats, sampling and positive/relevant lyrics found throughout "Fire In The Hole". I think Brand Nubian fans will be happy with this release and I recommend this to people who are looking for music with a message behind it. August 11, 2004

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