For All Seasons
"Queensbridge's finest" is more than a token tag line when it comes toThe Firm'sformer silent storm trooper, Nature. The self-proclaimed rhyme animal's compelling storytelling techniques make for an excellent solo debut,For All Seasons. Nature's prolific verbal talents unfold before your ears on tracks like "Man's World," which samples theJames Brownclassic of the same name. In the same vein, Nature lyrically catches hell from a woman scorned on the dramatic rim-shot alternating track "Young Love," where the rapper brings mistress trauma to life. Even on "We Ain't Friends," with its drowsy drum beat and intriguing xylophone instrumental, Nature masters the art of riding an atypical instrumental score. An overall A+ album, Nature nurtures each verse, presenting his listeners with more than a season of songs to nod their heads to.--Elon D. Johnson