The Death of Adam

iTunes Review

The Death of Adam is a breezily paced concept album based around one man’s addiction to sex. We follow Adam, the titular title character and 88-Key’s alter ego, as he expounds upon sexual stamina (“Stay Up! (Viagra)”), venereal disease (“The Burning Bush”), and the appeal of older lovers (“M.I.L.F.”). While most rap albums explore sexuality from a viewpoint that is both brutish and boastful, 88-Keys is refreshingly playful and light of touch. Like his close friend and mentor Kanye West (who executive-produced the album), 88-Keys is clever and mischievous, but never threatening. Delving into the same brand of mirthful, soul-influenced tracks that made Kanye’s College Dropout a classic, The Death of Adam hits upon a winning formula with “Handcuff ‘Em,” “(Awww Man) Round 2?,” and “Close Call.” Appearances by respected underground veterans like Redman and Phonte give some weight and credibility to 88-Keys’ flights of fancy, while “Dirty Peaches” and “M.I.L.F.” are legitimate pieces of neo-soul even as they poke fun at the genre. Even when its climax turns toward the morose, the album remains a witty respite from the overbearing onslaught of modern rap radio.