Lord Finesse's classic 'The Funky Technician' helped establish the now-famed DITC clique, introducing Show & AG and featuring productions by DJ Premier and Diamond D. The 'Return Of The Funky Man' set continued in a similar vein, but had little success. Three years later, and now on his fourth label, Finesse returns with 'The Awakening'. Although much was recorded during his period at Bandoola Records, it still sounds fresh in '96. The recent 'Hip 2 The Game' single was a good indicator -- Fineese's well constructed lyrics over self-produced beats, which while more mellow than previously, are hard enough to satisfy. 'No Gimmicks' (featuring KRS-One), the omitted B-Side, doesn't appear here either, but its replacement, 'Brainstorm' -- again featuring KRS but also OC -- isn't likely to disappoint. Elsewhere AG successfully collaborates with Finesse on the posse cut "Speak Ya Peace'; while other efforts like 'Food For Thought' and 'Flip Da Script' are admirably solid. Although technically an EP, 'The Awakening' is another consistent effort by Finesse, and unlike some full-length efforts, contains no filler material. - HHC, 96. Finesse is still one of the best out of D.I.T.C!
The full review and an OG sticker from The Awakening are below...
