What’s the Story?

Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda steps out in his first solo effort, THE RISING TIED, as Fort Minor. Earnest and a little plodding, Shinoda's rapping style may not be brilliant, but he addresses some important social and family issues. The most successful songs are the most sentimental: "Where'd You Go" is a guilt-fest about having been an absentee father; "Kenji" is about the artist's family's experiences in World War II internment camps. Far from being outclassed by more polished guest stars such as Common, Black Thought, and Kenna, Shinoda skillfully plays off their highly professional contributions.

Is It Any Good?

The Rising Tied is a well-produced example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. In fact, Shinoda shares his formula for success in the lyrics of "Remember the Name": "10% luck, 20% skill, 15% power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name." Lyrics are vivid, visceral, and R-rated, evoking scenes of street life that are not likely to be comfortable family listening. But there's enough substance here to trigger discussion, enough intelligent commentary to make it worth the trouble.

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Cast & Film Details

Artist

Fort Minor

Genre

Rap

Label

Warner Brothers

Parental advisory

Yes

Edited version
available

Yes
 

Release date

11/22/2005

For Your Family