Review:
Okai  Dekonstruktion of the Mind

Soundchron Records

To most in the realm of hiphop, “OK” was nothing more than a Little John bark in the middle of a song.  That association will change after a listen of up and coming wordsmith Okai’s debut album Dekonstruktion of the Mind.  Take smart and meaningful rhymes along with top notch production and the right touch of guest appearances and you are left with a fine
breakthrough record.

Okai enlightens listeners in his liner notes that the name “Dekonstruction of the Mind” comes from his essay on life and the status of our nation and society, so you know the lyrics will have a bit more depth than some hip-hop records.  Dekonstruktion takes no time in cutting to the chase.  The albums second track ‘Face/Off’ takes a sick beat reminiscent of George Clinton’s Motown days in The Parliaments and lets Okai flow perfectly.  The track also features Planet Asia who works well taking over where Okai leaves off. 

‘Brand New Day’ is perhaps the album’s standout track; it is proof of just how well Okai can work with his production.  As the beat has almost a dub vibe to it, Okai transforms it into even more fire for the album.  It’s easy to get caught up in the rhymes and lyrics on Dekonstruktion but make sure not to overlook the albums overall production done entirely by Ayatollah.  All the production is first-class from a producer whose resume has a lot more on it than you might know about.  The man behind some of Mos Def and Ghostface’s tightest
beats blesses Okai with production that is key to the album being a success and positive listen.

By the end, you are left with a quality album straight through that will keep your finger off of the fast forward button.  Each track gets to the point and doesn’t drag on; no tracks really go longer than four minutes.  The lack of filler-skits, something that has become way too common and annoying with many of today’s new releases makes it a good listen also.  Dekonstruktion of the Mind is worth your time and expect to be hearing Okai and Ayatollah’s name thrown around more as this album gets the exposure that it’s worthy of.