In the past theology, and philosophy aren't what one would have traditionally considered "inspiration" to Hip Hop, and intellectualism was more often than not viewed as a damper in a genre which relied more on "party" rhymes and "feel good" emotions than a recital of Biblically inspired spiritual metaphors, and philosophical inquiry. That was of course until the release of the Gravediggaz debut, "Six Feet Deep" and Sunz Of Man's "The Last Shall Be First", two of the most intelligent and philosophical records ever produced with their emphasis on Biblical images and Eastern philosophy over some of the illest beats to ever be put to tape. At that point it felt as if everyone wanted to lace their words with religious symbols, and spent hours studying late philosophers such as Kant, Hegel and Aristotle as a way of adding more substance to their flows, yet were unsuccessful.

What does this have to do with Ill Seer, and his CD, "Phostphatidylserine" you may ask? A lot in fact, as Ill Seer is very much inspired by Christian theology (he's also a theology professor and a candidate for a PhD), spirituality, philosophy and ill beats, so for those looking for a trivial record, stop reading now, and go pick up the new 50 Cent record, but for those looking for something on a deeper intellectual level, read on...

Although this record is tight from start to finish, I'll simply lay out the best (ie. my favorite tracks) and let you all decide.

"Phosphatidyserine" (which is a reference to a biomolecule made by the brain) opens with the flanged guitar strums of INTRODaUnCTION" (featuring like-minded Inja) before breaking into some eerie keys, and RZA inspired flows which sets the tone for the record. Basically you are going to get some philosophical images laid over some tight production work. Although only intended as an introduction, I was definitely feeling this track from start to finish.

Next up on the "highlight reel" comes in the form of the deeper than a hole dug to China of "Theory Vs. Practice" (which features Vangel) with it's abstract lyrical contents, and dark strings (which have an effective synthetic feel). The production, by Dorc, has a DefJux feel, which in no way hampers the track as a whole, but enhances the lyrical acrobatics of Ill Seer and Vangel. A tight track all around.

My favorite moment of "Phosphatidylserine" comes in the form of the emotional "Think About These Things", which features a sweet hook by Mandy Martens. I'm not sure what it was about this track (perhaps it's philosophical undertones) but this track really hit me, and had me from its opening seconds to its end. I don't want to rave too much here but the beautiful voice of Mandy Martens was the true heart of this track with it's laidback, and introspective delivery. This track is definitely in HEAVY rotation in my crib (as is the whole disc).

Having appeared on Christian based television shows such as 100 Huntley Street and 360 Vision, as well as been invited to present papers on the art of freestyling by the Canadian Society for Aesthetics, Ill Seer is definitely an artist and an intellectual in all matters of the word, as well as a man with a spiritual agenda. Having been blessed with the chance to hear "Phosphatidylserine" I've come to realize that lyrics with intellectual overtones still make quality records, and records that can stand toe to toe with the "gangstas", the "hustlers" and the "bling bling" of the genre, and still hold it's own. I'd definitely recommend that you all take the chance, and pick up a copy of this gem, as you won't be disappointed.

Review by Kevin X