Cryptic Wisdom- X's & O'z

Tucson, Arizona rhymesayer Cryptic Wisdom is a mixture of grungy alternative rock and poetic hip-hop music. Through his crisp, original flow and his melodious hooks, he utilizes the power and influence of music to tell stories and teach life lessons. He believes in the liberating freedom of being yourself and not caring about what other people think. CW is quoted saying, "A lot of people don't expect me to look the way that I do when they hear my music, and I think that's one of the most beautiful parts of what I do. It's a prime example of why you should never judge a book by its cover." Although known by many for his guest spot in the song, "I'm Not Crazy" on Hopsin's "RAW" album, Cryptic Wisdom is also featured on songs with Jahred from Hed(PE), Twisted Insane, SwizZz, Irv Da PHENOM!, Whitney Peyton, Sean Strange and many more. In August of 2013, CW's 9th release [an EP entitled "ONE"] debuted in the Top 100 on the iTunes hip-hop/rap charts and was featured in the iTunes "New & Noteworthy" section. Cryptic Wisdom has cultivated a strong audience despite that hip hop music press outlets have been slow to embrace the new alternative rock/grunge hip hop sound that he is pioneering.  However, after the release of ONE, they have begun to show respect for this new innovative style. CW recently wrapped up a tour with co-headlining Grammy Award winning artist, Whitney Peyton, and is ready to hit the road again to promote his new LP entitled "X's & O'z", which dropped on August 5th, 2014. Track listing

1. Talking To Myself
2. Problem
3. Up In Smoke
4. The Sorrow Ft Booda
5. Feel Alive
6. Look At My Face
7. Days Like This
8. Know Your Type
9. Liar
10. Breathe
11. Fall From Grace
12. Man In The Mirror Ft Irv The Phenom
13. Find A Way
14. Goodbye
15. When It Rains
16. You (Bonus Track)
17. Smile (Bonus Track)

  Track by track review and rating 1. Talking To Myself- The backing music is very similar to Linkin Park which matches the vocal delivery very well.  The theme of the track is very relatable and sets a solid tone.  The hook is simple and effective.  Production value here is top notch.  4.5/5 2. Problem- This track is another solid rock delivery.  Lyrically it is very well put together.  The hook is decent and keeps the flow within this track working.  4/5 3. Up In Smoke- The music that backs this one is very unique.  It is a hybrid of reggae, hip hop and rock but it flows very well.  The hook is solid and a nice break between solid hip hop delivered verses.  3.8/5 4. The Sorrow Ft Booda- A good beat highlighted by a simple guitar riff.  The lyrics are delivered in a smooth flow.  The hook breaks up the hip hop style with more of a rock sound.  Booda adds a very solid verse in this one.  4/5 5. Feel Alive- This track goes back to a more Linkin Park sound.  This track adds to the diversity on the album with well performed verses and a hard hitting hook.  4/5 6. Look At My Face- A slow, hard hitting rock sound backs quickly delivered lyrics.  An aggressive sound in the music, lyrics, and hook make this one of the darkest tracks on the album.  This track definitely changes the feel of the album.  3.8/5 7. Days Like This- Listeners are immediately brought back to a more sorrowful feel with this track.  This track is a solid mix of sorrow and hope.  A good hook and well written verses make this meaningful.  3.5/5 8. Know Your Type- A slower beat backs a good acoustic guitar here.  This track might best be compared to an Everlast sound but it works here.  Well written verses and a simple hook make this track work well.  3.5/5 9. Liar- Another slow beat drives the track.  The first verse here is almost spoken word in its simplicity.  The hook is delivered with a more sung approach but that is needed.  The second verse is delivered with a solid flow.  3.7/5 10. Breathe- A smooth R&B sound in this track.  The flow will remind listener of a 90’s love rap style.  This track is a nice change of pace here.  3.7/5 11. Fall From Grace- This track was the first video single released from this album.  The beat and delivery go back to the Linkin Park sound.  The music and beat are simple and allow the lyrics to stand out and shine.  The hook is sung and works well here.  4.2/5 12. Man In The Mirror Ft Irv The Phenom- The beat in this track is smooth and simple.  The delivery in the verses is solid.  Irv adds a very good verse in this track.  The hook fits the rest of the album really nicely.  4/5 13. Find A Way- This track fits into modern rock sound.  A simple hook and music backs melodic verses and a decent hook.  It is different from all the other tracks up to this point and that is alright in this case.  3.7/5 14. Goodbye- This beat is a hybrid of rock, hip hop, and electronic sound.  The verses are deeper than others on this album.  The hook is simple but works well here.  3.5/5 15. When It Rains (Unplugged Bonus Track)- As the title says it is a completely acoustic track.  The vocals are much louder due to that fact but they are clear and meaningful.  The hook is well written and deeper in emotion.  3.8/5 16. You (Bonus Track)- Another acoustic bonus track.  Similar to the last one it is heartfelt and easily becomes a relationship type track.  The vocals are a little lower and that adds to the rating here.  4.2/5 17. Smile (Bonus Track)- Hip hop beat backed by simple piano.  The verses are done very well.  The hook is a little to basic but that is not bad at the end of this album. 3.5/5   Overall Rating:   3.8/5   Conclusion:  Fans of Cryptic Wisdom know he likes to take chances and evolve his music with each release.  This album is no exception.  We see a shift more in the direction he took with his last release the “One” EP.  This album finds him sounding more Linkin Park than hip hop but fans will find that a good thing.  Overall the album is solid and is recommended if listeners enjoy bands that sound like that.  If you are looking for a Hip Hop/Rap release this might not be the one for you.