I'll admit it, despite my love of hip hop, I'd never listened to a Maestro album. That all changed when I picked up his latest album 'Ever Since.' It being Maestro's fifth album (he was formerly known as Maestro Fresh Wes), I decided to see for myself if he really possessed the skills that have kept him at the top of the Canadian hip hop scene for ten years. Yes, this is the same artist who released the infectous, "Let Your Backbone Slide" back in 1989. Now, 11 years later, Maestro still possess a clubbish hip hop style that I dare say might be unparalleled in Canada. All the beats had a bounce feel to them, they are sure to make any singles club-friendly. As well, I was particularly impressed with Maestro's lyricism. Not only were the lyrics clear and audible, they told stories and often were coupled with vocal play and fluidity making them ear-tingling.

"Ever Since," tells a recapitulation of Maestro's path to success. The beat is funky and the chorus is a standard, "... can't stop, don't stop, won't stop..," but Maestro adds something special and fresh making it appeal. And I love the line "... (I head you say)...I ain't underground enough. I ain't keepin it real. Oh well. Here's another song you ain't gonna feel..." "Saturday Night" has a hot beat with which Maestro flows very tighly. "Bustin' Loose (original mix)" is another very impressive track. You'll have to search for it though, because it's the first unlisted bonus track on the album. And check out the word play on "Can't U See."

After tasting this album, I wish maybe I'd given Maestro a listen before. Lyrically I was impressed. All the lyrics seemed to have their place. The beats were all club-friendly and should induce some club play. There was no amazing standout track, but several were impressive. If you're a Maestro fan, this is a must get. Or if you looking to try out some fresh, lyrical Canadian hip hop, give this guru a try.

Troy Neilson
This review was written November 13, 2000