Trudog is smashing down boundaries and challenging stereotypes on every level. He's reclaimed a genre that can often be demeaning, and turned it around by lampooning some of the standard themes in Top 40 rap. He uses humor to illustrate a point about mainstream rap music's frequently sexist themes by spoofing these attitudes in outrageous tracks like the title track and "Homo Thug." These over-the-top parodies make a point with their lyrical content that objectifies other men, and mercilessly mocks violent rap lyrics – it's very thought-provoking, because the listener finds themselves shocked by the content, only to stop and realize that these same exact themes that are often directed towards females in mainstream rap.
And Trudog is mindful of the content he releases: "Homo Thug," "Straight Eye For The Queer Guy," and "PY Comes In Many Forms" (a re-working of the album's title track) are marked with a warning that reads: "Contains explicit language. Please listen responsibly. Do not play for minors." Tru is also quoted as saying, "I didn't want to release yet another rap CD laced with profanity." I'm not sure what's more subversive, the fact that he's a gay rapper or the fact that he doesn't like to curse.
All of Tru's songs have a sense of humor, and they are often hilarious. (Don't miss "I Wanna Get Loose With You," a spoof of seductive R&B songs.) Trudog has a talent for writing seriously good music with seriously funny lyrics. He isn't just a gimmick – he has true musical chops to back him up. His style is a little LL Cool J meets En Vouge, and the songs are well structured and melodic, feature great vocal performances, and are all over a pleasure to listen to.
Stylistically, this album covers a lot of different genres, with rap, R&B, and dance influences. One of my favorites is "Children of the Night," which is a little like Hall and Oates mixed with rap. (I know what you're thinking, but trust me, it works.) The songs are all good, but I think perhaps releasing the dancier cuts and the rap/R&B cuts as separate EPs might help him connect with his audience better.
Although he may be "The Notorious Homo Thug" with a tongue-in-cheek way of mocking rap culture, he is also a great musician. Trudog has true skills as a rapper, and he would get two thumbs up from me regardless of his image or lyrical content. The fact that he's a campy gay rapper just makes me like him even more." --- Beeb Ashcroft - Indie Music
"Bloody hell, I was simply intrigued by Trudog's 'Homo Rapper' tag when is name popped up in the Latest Music window on the Home page.
I didn't know what to expect and, as a true hetero, (but with an open mind), I entered Trudog's page with a slight bit of trepidation, perhaps comforted by the fact that I'm thousands of miles away and, at a pug-ugly 55, have no attraction for gaylords anyway! lol. Anyway, what does sexual orientation have to do with music anyway?
Quite a lot in Trudog's case...............hehehehe.
Seriously, I was blown away by the sheer professionalism of this man. Listening to his first two tracks immediately had me hitting the rate button, quickly followed by the 'Recommend artist' button.
Then joy of joys, up next was this track. The other two are superb but this track is the icing on the cake.
What struck me first was the pure listenability which sucks you in (no pun intended Mr Trudog!!) right from the start. Top music, top backing vox, all enhanced by the crystal clear enunciation of the lyrics.
I DO like rap/hip-hop but one of the more irritating things for me in this genre is when the music starts, you look forward to a blisteringly good track then the rapper spits out rhymes that I just cannot fathom..........What the hell is he saying? A lot of you will know what I mean. Perhaps it's an old, white Emglishman thang!!
However, Trudog is master of the vocal art - every word, every lyric is crystal clear and his superbly enjoyable voice grabs you and keeps you hooked right until the end.
Naturally, his lyrics are very explicit and I expect have been/are/will be frowned upon in many circles and restrict any airplay (hence my rate for commercial appeal) but what oozes from every lyric is a first class sense of humour. Be warned however, definitely NOT for under-18s.
In this crap world we live in, it's always good to have a laugh or three and Trudog is the man. However the music is serious and the three tracks he's posted so far are pure class.
Trudog is another breath of fresh air.
I love Michael Jackson has it all - ace production, a great lyric, top lead and backing vocals, all wrapped in a tight, pro musical package.
Hats off to you Mr Trudog." ---
DaveRave - MP3unsigned.com
