N.E.R.D.
In Search Of... (Virgin)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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In Search Of has plenty of good, sometimes great moments. On the majority of the thirteen tracks within they straddle that line between full-on hip-hop, and smooth r&b singing with Kelis stepping in to brighten the corners of Truth Or Dare. Yes, they can sing and drop science.

Why a name like N*E*R*D? Because these three don't separate (or segregate) their music and put creatively constrictive insignias on it. Ever ask somebody what kinds of music they're into? That's usually how I gauge whether or not I can talk to a particular person straight away. If they say "Oh, you know, Skrewdriver, Laibach...basic right-wing stuff like that." I know I need to make them a good compilation tape and sort them out. But when the person says "Ohhh...I like pretty much everything." I immediately ask 'em what current opera singers do it for them. Or who their favorite Aussie Rockers are. N*E*R*D name-checks AC/DC, and wears their t-shirts on the back of this album. Unconscious of what they're supposed to do, they get busy weaving hip-hop with new wave, R&B vocalizing with rock, and funk with new wave.

N*E*R*D actually produced this disc themselves, with two members becoming their alter ego's The Neptunes. Those with the knowledge will know of them as being fairly busy behind the boards (Jay-Z, Mstikal, Backstreet Boys). The Neptunes display an old-school approach on In Search Of. The rhythms here reminded me more of something I might have previously heard on a Kurtis Blow record.

Repeat plays: Provider, Baby Doll, Rock Star - Poser, Stay Together, and, of course Truth or Dare. I think Kelis could sneeze and it would sound better than about 80% of today's Rhythm & Bullshit.

Best lines: "The government is sounding like strippers to me." or "Woke up I had the same clothes on I had on last night."

Verdict: Get this.

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© 2001 - Jason Thornberry