Stic "The Workout" (2011).

The year 2011 was a great year for the underground hip hop scene. I got introduced to new artists that I plan on following in the future. I also got reacquainted with artists that I listened to in the past. Those of you who follow hip hop may have heard about the duo "Dead Prez". The group is comprised of members, M1 and Stic, who sometimes goes by the name stic.man. Like many other groups, the members of Dead Prez sometimes branch out and do solo projects. In 2011 Stic released a solo album titled "The Workout". This album was one of the most motivating albums I heard in 2011, and it's time that I share my reasons for liking it so much. Please read on.

The Workout is a 14 track album by producer/emcee Stic. The album was produced entirely by Stic. The album has a hip hop oriented theme, but is focused on health, fitness, and positive habits. Many of today's rappers lyrical content deal with violence, money, and material items. This is where this album differs from most hip hop albums that have been released. Stic lyrics focus on finding discipline and overcoming obstacles through fitness and health. He uses his own personal experiences to get the message across. In the song titled "Bruce Lee", Stic shares a time in his life where he found out he had gout, and how it changed his perspective on life. Every track on the album has a positive message on becoming a better person through health, discipline, and fitness.

Every song on The Workout has a great message. The song "Champion" focuses on becoming a champion in our own right. You are what you believe. If you believe you are a champion in life, that's exactly what you will become. The track, "Back On My Regimen(Swole Like Tookie)" is easily the most accessible song from the album. It's probably the most hardcore song production wise, and is the theme for the album in general. Stic relates a message of getting back on his workout regimen. The hook on the song is a homage to the now deceased Stanley "Tookie" Williams, who was known for being co-founder of the Crips gang, his weightlifting habits, and his big physique. Back On My Regimen also features emcee, Divine, who is known for his work with Dead Prez. The song, "Runners High" is probably my favorite song on the album. The song features singer, Martin Luther, and deals with overcoming obstacles and reaching goals through running. Stic mentions in the song; "Both feet on the ground but it feels like I'm touching the sky, no drugs in my veins I got a runners high". "Baby Fat" is a song mainly for the ladies. The song deals with women who are back in gym after having a child. This song is interesting because it features Stic's wife, Afya Ibomu as one of the female emcees. The message is still positive nonetheless. Other standout songs from the album include; Joe Louis, Sober Solder, Yoga Mat, and Healthy Living.

If I had to rate this album, I would give it 4.5 stars out of 5. The production on the album varies from song to song. It's better on some songs compared to others. That's the only thing that keeps me from giving it a perfect rating. However, the message and lyrics are what shine most on this album. This is definitely a great album for anyone who is looking for motivation to start working out. It's also great to listen to while at the gym, or while running. I have the album saved on my phone and mp3 player. Whether I'm running or pumping the dumbells, this is what I mainly listen to while working out.This album shows that not all hip hop music is about violence, drugs, and materialism. That's another thing that makes The Workout great. The Workout is definitely one of the best albums that I heard in 2011, and I will continue to listen to and carry it into 2012. Stic's message on The Workout has turned into a movement. He has created the RBG Fit Club, and has a website for it at http://www.rbgfitclub.com.You can also find out more about Stic at http://www.sticrbg.com. When I find something that I feel that's worthy of sharing, I do exactly that. Thanks for reading.