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Like rappers Aesop Rock and Immortal Technique, Time imbibes the independent hip-hop music spirit by speaking to deeper issues than the meaningless rap of the mainstream. Naked Dinner has the right elements to be great, but lacks the consistency to truly be cohesive.
When he’s on, Time flows nicely. He balances style and content to deliver his message in an enjoyable way. Tracks “Naked Brunch” and “Sorry For The Sorries” are prime examples. These songs make use of interesting lyrics like “If one day it all makes sense/Where’s the answers at/The finish?”
More often than not, though, Time’s timing is awkward. He tries to pack in as much message as quickly as possible, which often feels sloppy and rushed. It undermines the strength of his messages.
Naked Dinner’s biggest saving grace is strong production. Each track has a unique beat. Some of the tracks seem reminiscent of producer RJD2 in the use of reversed vocals and synthesizer, and the effects accentuate Time’s message.
Not a perfect album by any means, Naked Dinner works to show off both the talents and weak points of Time. It’s not a bad listen if you don’t mind wading through some less than stellar songs to get to the good stuff.
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