The Greatest Story Never Told
almost became
The Greatest Album Never Heard
. Label issues with
Atlantic
forced
to move on to different avenues to release his album. With most of the album being recorded over four years ago, would it stand the test of time?
In an exclusive listening session at RED Offices in Manhattan earlier this week, Saigon himself premiered the album for a few of NYC’s tastemakers. The room was lively and had a slight buzz as we all prepared to listen to Saigon’s debut album – five years after it should have originally been debuted.
The album is a solid listen all the way through –
Just Blaze
, the popular running mate of Saigon – laces much of the production with trademark sounds and hard hitting beats.
Kanye West , Buckwild
and
DJ Corbet
round out the rest of the production.
The title track,
The Greatest Story Never Told
tells the story about how this entire album came into fruition. Saigon has always been one to throw positive messages and vibes into his music and his debut album does not disappoint.
The Invitation
, a song featuring
Q-Tip
and
Fatman Scoop
which talks about how the environment invites young black youth to go to jail.
Jay Z
is featured on the album too on the song
Come On Baby
along with
Swizz Beatz
– but the true gem is the production from Just Blaze.
Other notable tracks include
Enemies
and
Friends
,
Down This Road Before
and
Clap
.
Clap
actually features
Faith Evans
– she makes the track – who according to Saigon was nine months pregnant during the recording.
Enemies
and
Friends
have him talking to a personified version of the streets – talking about how the streets almost ruined his life.
Overall Saigon’s album stood the test of time – until he made it known that these songs were recorded five years prior, the idea would not have crossed anyone’s minds.
The Greatest Story Never Told
drops February 11, 2011.