Album Review: Cage – Depart From Me

Cage, Depart From Me (Def Jux, 2009)

Depart From Me (DFM) marks a new era for Cage. Totally stripped (or departed) of his past “Worm King” persona. In fact, don’t call him that on twitter, he’ll block you.
In Depart From Me, Cage does something you rarely see in music these days. To put it simply, he’s relatable. He sucks you in like Howard Stern (nullus).
As he said in an interview with yours truly, a few months ago, he’s the most naked on this album, he puts it all out there on DFM. That’s what makes Cage so… you feel for him, because you can relate. He is already receiving acclaim for his “fat guy” song. I have to review the album, right now. I have a big f-ing headache, and guess what the best remedy is for me?

NOTHING LEFT TO SAY
The album starts off with fire. This is the song pitchfork released, but it doesn’t get old. El-P on the beat. In this song, Cage throws some love to the late great Camu-Tao.

BEAT KIDS
Another strong beat. My headache is already going away. The hook makes me want to beat some kids down. This is a good rape anthem (if you’re a date rapist and want to set the mood). I love it.

DR. STRONG
This song head leaked earlier. I could see Michael Bay bumping this hype ass song.

I FOUND MY MIND IN CONNECTICUT
This is my favorite beat (and possibly fav song) on the album. It sounds like F. Sean Martin. The beat reminds me of… the best way I could explain it is if you took “futuristic” plus “mech” plus the “ancient egyptians.” The song is about being in a mind-fuck haze. I first got a teaser of this song in Brooklyn thru the cans (headphones) of Cage and it was amazing then, and it’s amazing now. Again, Cage’s realness shines through and through.

I LOST IT IN HAVERTON
Another sick beat…

TEENAGE HANDS
I think Cage used to date some younger chick with an asshole Dad. I guess she gave bad hand jobs.

EATING ITS WAY OUT OF ME
This is probably my 2nd fav. beat on the album and it def. sounds El-P all the way, for the WIN. The beat almost over powers the lyrics, but it works… it’s like audible lava. I think this would work as an album closer.

KICK ROCKS
Kick rocks is a cute way to say F- off! This song is very hipstery, but I like it.

KATIE’S SONG
This is like an emo Top Gun anthem, but not really. Actually, yes really.

STRAIN
I could see guys moshing to this, while 20 year old milfs shoot heart eyes to Cage… (stream of conscious folks, stick with me).

FAT KIDS NEED AN ANTHEM
The Artie Lange Anthem? Cage went from “fat guy” to health nut. No Trader Joes. Ouch at the anecdote about his ex-gf laughing about his bitch tits (probably that same teenage ex-gf). This is Bol/Byron Crawford’s fav. song.

LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID
This could be on the Twilight soundtrack, no? Heh, just kidding. I like the uptempo-ness of this track. Hot track.

DEPART FROM ME
Title track. This sounds like El-P doing his thing. Solid track. Cage kept his word, as he has no featured guests on this album. Catchy hook.

I NEVER KNEW YOU
Shia LaBeouf bangs hoes to this song. You know, ones he never knew.

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RATING: (_*_)(_*_)(_*_)(_*_) [4/4 BOOTIES]

Again, reviewing this album was the only way I knew how to get rid of my headache… good music. Hell’s Winter was literally a LIFETIME AGO. And with time we have this QUALITY album. Thank you Cage, for the ear-blessings.

Cop DFM from departfromme.com. Go pre-order it today. For Cage summer tour dates go here.

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Permalink Posted in: cage, cardboard city, ccwm, defjux, el-p, hip-hop, music, nyc, reviews, shabooty, shabooty exclusive, shia labeouf Comments(5) May 22, 2009