At a time when emcees are awarded for rapping about living a rich & glamorous lifestyle that is a facade, Torae challenges the status quo by doing the opposite.
Torae jumped on the scene in 2007 leaving his mark with collabos like “Click” 
(Skyzoo, DJ Premier) and the well-received project with Marco Polo, Double Barrel. His absence since 2009 left fans wondering when they’d hear more from Da Young Veteran. Finally, the question has been answered in the form of his debut solo album titled For The Record. At a time when emcees are awarded for rapping about living a rich and glamorous lifestyle that is a facade, Torae challenges the status quo by doing the opposite. Using tools that pay homage to the golden era: aggressive lyrics and strong beats, the Coney Island native gives us a glimpse of what the life of an indie artist looks like. Another nod to the '90s is the cast of producers enlisted on the album including DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Large Professor.It is important to clarify that although this is Torae’s third project, this is his first solo album. It’s this factor that hugely shapes the project as it serves as a memoir in music form. Here the focus is solely on him. That means no Skyzoo features (or features at all for that matter), which many were expecting. Instead, what is offered is a full length, cohesive album that runs like a story.
The story begins at his high school graduation where you hear him talking about his future. His dreams include getting on Rap City and working with DJ Premier. In short, making it as an emcee. This theme sets the premise for the entire album, as we follow him on this journey. Khrysis produced opener “Alive” talks about putting his heart and soul into performing and making it happen. It is the beginning of his journey into Hip Hop and manhood. Marco Polo brings back the familiarity of Double Barrel on “You Ready,” a gritty rhyme that takes shots at weak rappers and fans who accept them. “Naughty and nice my Jesus piece got the gaudiest ice,” is one example of the connection Torae makes between the streets and the righteous.
Highlights include Pete Rock produced “That Raw”
where Torae boasts of being “so far ahead of the wack at first glance you would think I’m in back.” “What It Sound Like” featuring Pav Bundy on the hook and !llmind on the beat displays a lyrically precise Torae slaying the track with relentless fury. 9th Wonder raises the roof with brazen brass wind on the bombastic “Shakedown.” You would second guess the beat but Torae is slipping in so many clever lines that you’re too busy trying to keep up to care. In one minute, Torae manages to connect the movie Clueless with Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Carolina Herrera and his previous release Double Barrel. He attacks rappers with lines like, "You constipated, my Damon you never do shit.” While “Do The Math” brings another '90s beat legend to the table as Large Professor delivers a rugged soundtrack for a reflective moment of “what if”. While the song “Over You” seems a little misplaced (melodic, sing-songy love song), it ultimately is still part of the story making it at least relevant.For The Record reinforces that Torae is a three dimensional artist. It continues in the vein of Double Barrel with his in your face bravado taking shots at an industry that has lost its way. Yet his agile lyricism also shows the duality of being both street smart and intellectual. Set to stellar production from a dream team similar to that of Illmatic, this album proves it was worth the wait. Be warned, it is meant to be listened to in its entirety, which sadly is not common practice nowadays. Anyone that just skims the songs on iTunes to pick off singles will surely be doing themselves a disservice and missing the entire point. Apparently, that’s a chance Torae is willing to take for his art. It’s said that the best art comes from a place of truth and authenticity. For The Record embodies that philosophy undoubtedly.
by Navani Otero
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews
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