Artist: Saigon

Album: Prelude To The Greatest Story Never Told

NY is trying! With the fate of many supposed “Saviors” in limbo, one of the first hip-hop heroes of the new generation is hittin’ us with a reminder of why the future is his. DJ Wickstarr has put together one of the most complete Saigon compilations to date. While those already familiar with Sai-Giddy may have heard the majority of tracks, Prelude  contains a few gems that even the most die hard fans haven’t had the chance to nod their heads to.

Following in the steps of other NY new-schoolers like one time rival Joe Budden, and Brooklyn native Joel Ortiz, Saigon has released projects through side deals with independent labels; like his All in a Day’s Work (Amalgam Digital). These side projects have kept his name in regular circulation in hip-hop magazines and websites. Saigon even had a regularly occurring role on the HBO series Entourage, yet he could not get a release date for his long-awaited “The Greatest Story Never Told” (at least not the way he wanted to release it). 

“The Greatest Story Never Told”, according to Saigon is the album that will bring hip-hop back. His relentlessness to flex in commercializing the project has resulted in being released from Mark Ronson’s Alido Records as well as Atlantic Records through a deal with Just Blaze’s Fort Knox Music. Although these stumbling blocks have resulted in this mysterious project not seeing the light of day, they have resulted in some ill material from Giddy being leaked.

What most would see as the flaw of this tape, winds up being its strength. It would seem that DJ Wickstarr just took every Saigon track he could round up and put them together to call it a mixtape. Under normal circumstances this wouldn’t fly! He even leaves the Kay Slay drops on numerous tracks as if to play the listener into thinking Slay is somehow involved in the making of this project. It is all excused however, as the DJ is not the star of this production. Saigon needs no cosign at this stage of the game. The star in this is the incredible compilation of old, new, and forgotten material from one of rap’s new elite wordsmiths.

Opening with The Raw, featuring Inspectah Deck, Saigon comes in guns blasting with boom bap drums thumpin. The rest of the tape follows suit with sample heavy, highly lyrical rap, that would make any Wu-Tang or Mobb Deep fan smile. Not only known for his lyrical prowess, Saigon displays his conscious side on cuts like The Color Purple, Politicians, and Letters to Omnipotent. This is purposefully non-radio music. Where Saigon excels is in his ability to truly impact his core audience. Saigon showcases his ability to tread the many sides of the streets in a way similar to what Tupac did. He spits for the thugs, the intellectuals, and the socially minded all with an accessibility that hasn’t been seen since Tupac or early 90’s Nas. “Prelude to The Greatest Story Never Told“, has its errors but overall serves as a great introduction to an artist that will hopefully get the shine he truly deserves; and for those that know the music it’s an excellent reminder of why they got into Saigon to begin with.

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