The Rising Tied [PA] by Fort Minor (CD, Nov-2005, Machine Shop Recordings)

The Rising Tied is an amazing record!

With his solo debut album The Rising Tied, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park creates an authentic underground hip-hop record for the masses, one that will equally please his rock music fans, the TRL crowd, and the stingiest of hip-hop fans.

Shinoda, who goes by Fort Minor on this release, sporadically showcased his production talent and rap skills on Linkin Park’s two studio albums, but truly got his chance to shine on their remix album Reanimation, the LP and Jay-Z mash-up album Collision Course, and on the X-Ecutioner’s single “It’s Goin’ Down”. With this experience under his belt, Shinoda set out to create the hip-hop album he always wanted to make, with some help from his boys Styles of Beyond and executive-producer Jay-Z.

“Remember The Name” is an upbeat street anthem that finds Shinoda and Styles of Beyond breaking down the numbers and difficulties of working hard to create the best possible music and make a name for oneself. The first single, “Petrified”, is equally an eerie underground showcase of Mike’s mic talents and a speaker-rattling club-banger.

Shinoda’s weight in the music industry allows him the opportunity to work with almost anybody, but he chooses to work with credible and established hip-hop artists over flavor-of-the-month, radio-favorite rappers. “Right Now” features an intricate and layered instrumental as Mike, Styles of Beyond, and Black Thought of The Roots intertwine tales of what the world looks like from their eyes over a mellow piano melody. Meanwhile Common assists on “Back Home”, a tale of how different home is upon return. The gorgeous guitar riff, sustained basslines and organ work are both old-school soul and a testament to Shinoda’s hard work in the studio, as he plays every instrument heard throughout The Rising Tied.

Mike spills his heart and soul throughout the album. “Where’d You Go” is a melancholy story of frustration about missing a loved one who has been absent. “High Road” is an angst-filled duet with R&B singer John Legend about no longer being able to trust someone, and doubles as a showcase for both artists’ talents on the piano. “Kenji” is an introspective tale of racism against Japanese-Americans during World War II and the effects it had on Shinoda’s family.

On The Rising Tied, Mike Shinoda has successfully created a hip-hop album to please a broad audience. He sometimes falters with below-average lyricism, but the “emotions on the sleeve” songwriting approach, coupled with the excellent production work combine for one of the best hip-hop releases of 2005.

Yes, the dude from the rap-rock fusion group Linkin Park can rap. Not only does he showcase his rhyming ability on his solo project, The Rising Tied, but also breathes a fresh breathe of air into a music genre craving new blood. In addition to proving yet another Caucasian male can spit, he further cements his place as one of the most creative new producers in the hip-hop game. His label, Machine Shop Records, is a direct hint at the very type of sound his style brings. The industrial resonance of his beats makes his material attractive to consumers who enjoy material for both the attractive sound and absolute breadth.

With limited guest spots (Common, John Legend and Black Thought of The Roots) the album thoroughly remains a bridge for Shinoda to showcase his talents instead of the industries finest MC’s. The record’s finest moments arrive early on the first half of the album. He exclaims “Right Now,” a passionate track which reminds us all there is yet another day in life to come: “Tommorrow I’ll be gone I don’t know when I’ll be back / But in this world everything can change just like that.” On “Feel Like Home” – a DJ Hahn influenced joint– Shinoda and Styles of Beyond begin a journey through life as they intricately advocate why the commodity of comfort is so important to maintain. A cut as addictive as the nicotine product itself, “Cigarettes,” is a cold-hearted plea to stop believing everything you hear. All three songs are delivered with both powerful lyrics and enough emotion to get across the message each holds.

I am a big Linkin Park fan and got every one of their CDs. I was just browsing the net and came upon this album featuring their lead singer. Although I liked Linkin Park's rock genre, Mike Shenoda took Fort Minor to a whole nother level, showing the world his hip, clear, fast-paced rapping. Lovers of rap, keyboard/remixing, or Shenoda must get this CD!

This CD is a version of Linkin Park's leading man Mike Shinoda "unleashed" to mix music his way, starting with the killer tune "Remember the name"... check U-Tube for all the different videos with this tune. Unfortunatly I've heard a radio DJ / talk show host state one of the songs was from... Eminem. (I called and set him straight) Shinoda does an excellent job on this CD. If you like Linkin Park, you won't be disappointed.

You have got to get this CD! There are at least 8 songs that I really liked a great deal. If you are a fan of linkin park then you will really enjoy this disc. The style is awesome as they utilize piano, drums, violin and many other instruments. They are smooth and gritty! Remember the Name - FORT MINOR