Medicine Bag was released in 2010, and besides that I can't recall much significant history to this album other than that it was ABK's first time releasing a variant album. It comes in three colors: Blue, Green, and Red. Each album has the same track listing, but the only difference is that they each have two different bonus tracks at the end. They have different color themes too, but those are the only differences. I will be speaking on the blue version.
Graphics:
The album art is below, nothing really too telling or spectacular. Note that there are different color themes for each of the three different CDs (Red, blue, green).
On the back you've got your track listing. Sixteen tracks tall. Anybody Killa's name is at the bottom, along with the name of the album, "Medicine Bag". There's also a color theme which is different depending on the version of the album that you have.
On the inside, you've got Anybody Killa's logo on the CD along with his name. Another color theme, again depending on the version you have. The CD art doubles as a fold-out, when fully extended there are production credits on one panel, the CD art and back of the booklet on another two, and a drawing of Anybody Killa on the fourth panel. On the other side, there's a little collector's game going on. On the glossy, well-produced paper, there are two Anybody Killas posing. Lightning crackles in the background, and judging by the dark bordered corners up top I can safely assume this is the top piece of the puzzle. The other two albums, green and red, would bring the whole thing together. I think when it's complete, it reveals something about Anybody Killa, like maybe cryptic details about another album. I don't fucking know, but it's another one of those games that is supposed to make you want to collect all three. But anyway, that covers it for the graphics.
Content:
Anybody Killa. Sometimes he's great, sometimes...he's not. Medicine Bag is a testament to this fact. Its jumpy production and tracklist don't do much for the album, and neither do the sparsely situated features. While the content of this CD is at times good, it is never more than that. Medicine Bag is a flat entry that, while graced with generally good production, is doomed to mediocrity. But one thing that I appreciate is the positivity on this disc. There is a lot less of the stereotypical murda murda bullshit and more of a positive message. He talks a lot about people, and life...what he's done to be successful, and how people hate him for it. There's a lot here that I could listen to and say, "Yeah, I feel that."
Anybody Killa might not keep you interested the entire time, and this album might not even be his best work. But regardless of that fact, there is something to be appreciated about Medicine Bag. The uplifting tone of this album and the fact that this CD is at many times a portrayal of real life is a very positive thing, which is good in this case. The features help add to the atmosphere of the album as well, but it should be emphasized that the release itself isn't too far up the ladder.
Blue Bag bonus tracks:
Blue bag has two bonus tracks: Hey Girl, and Mental Evaluation.
They are both good tracks that probably could have been added to the actual CD, but are stuck on as bonus tracks. Musically they are both stellar, and add a little something to the CD. Nothing too incredible, and they don't especially mess up the flow of the album either. Note that a video was shot for Hey Girl after the release of this album and put up on YouTube.
"Medicine Bag" by Anybody Killa receives a: 2.4/5
Strong points:
- Few memorable pieces here: "Last Chance", "That's Enough 4 Me", etcetera, kind of depends on your disposition how good some tracks are compared to others
- Okay entry, even if it isn't really big or anything like that
- This album has a lot of positive messages on it, instead of being soaked in blood and violence. It brings a nice variety that I think a lot of artists need to dabble in just a bit more.
Weak points:
- Medicine Bag is not a notable entry in Anybody Killa's career
- If you wanna hear that hardcore shit, please look elsewhere
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| Blue bag cover |
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