Visual to release Working Class Legend

Visual dropped “Working Class Legend” last Jan. 27, three years following his professional foray into the national scene with his debut album, “Figured it Out.” It was met with a response that was, by and large, positive and appreciative. It moved a few units, put him on a little bit. That was followed by a slew of mixtape appearances and shows.

Not for nothing, but hat three-year-gap between albums becomes a lot easier to swallow when Visual's exponential growth in maturity pours through tracks like “The Planet” and “Livin' My Life.” His analytical mind translates into well-thought out verses that stay on topic and speak to the situations working class folks approach on a daily basis.

The production selection reflects wild growth — the beats are a bit more complex, don't rely so heavily on drums, and progress the lyrical agenda Visual's pushing. The beats reflect the words, not the other way around — a Visual trademark — and are progressive and forward-moving, not to be confined to headphones. Visual enlisted the A-team, too, with production from Panik, Domingo, Rashid Hadee, and Infinite Beats.

“Never Sold Crack,” featuring Cap D, is perhaps the most readily identifiable exhibit of Visual's growth. It's not the crisp production that sets this particular track aside, though it has that; and it's not the super-dope cameo from Cap D, though he comes correct. The positive message avoids preaching with strong, declarative lines not hidden between metaphors and flash. Simply, it is what it is.

Uplifting and inspirational music shouldn't be confused with complacency — the kid is hungry. And if listeners can't hear it on “What Up Joe,” they never will. The melody drops before the beat, and the usual pre-verse shit-talk is ignored, moving the listener into the world of “Joe,” a working-stiff with dreams of coming-up without drowning in the day-to-day that drags people down. If listeners aren't entrenched in the song by the track's second bar, then Visual's authoritative delivery and Ale Nova's mesmerizing hook will do it.

Though Visual shines, he's not without the crew: Dism & Rios from Community Service contribute verses, as do Wes Restless, Cap D, Astonish, and Rhyme Scheme. There's not a weak verse on the album and if you've been a fan since “Figured it out,” the difference between albums will be much appreciated.

The new album from Chicago artist, Visual.
Featuring production from Panik of the Molemen (Saigon,Atmosphere,Cormega,Mf Doom), Domingo (Amy Winehouse,Big Pun,Rakim,Krs-One),Rashid Hadee(Little Brother) + more !

Also features guest appearances from Capital D of All Natural, Sharkula, Ale Nova, Wes Restless, Scheme and Astonish of the Molemen and Rios and Dism of Community Service

Visual biography
Blue collar gets dollars too, Visual says. The Chicago born, Chicago raised, Chicago dwelling emcee has released “Working Class Legend” on 1.27.09 after a brief hiatus from the always volatile hip-hop scene.

Though a regular guest-spot emcee with a couple mixtapes under his belt, Visual's professional foray into the Chicago scene started in February 2006 with his debut album, “Figured it out.” It was met with a response that was, by and large, positive and appreciative. It moved a few units; put him on a little bit. That was followed by a slew of mixtape appearances and shows.

For awhile, he was on. Then the music slowed down a little bit, and you didn't hear from him for a minute. He was still moving, he just wasn't talking. It's not where you're from, though, it's which way you're leaning, and the few things that are constant about Visual and his music are what make him and his music so attractive to listeners.

Things have changed, though. He's put a few years into this and his style has changed as a result. Not just how he raps, but the way he carries himself and how situations are approached. His analytical mind translates into well-thought out verses that stay on topic and speak to the situations working class folks approach on a daily basis.

Visual doesn't name drop. He lacks the voice self-entitlement that a lot of rappers drip with, and he's the owner of an independent streak masked by constant humility. It comes through in his music, and the contrast that it creates is truly inspiring.

Proof of that independent streak can be seen in his early-career, knuckle-headed decision to pursue music without the help of his brother Panik of Molemen fame. He wanted to make it on his own, pay dues and advance on his own merit, and as a result of that, the discussion to get with Moles never happened. His style of thinking that put personal growth over short-term success is revolutionary in the Hip-hop scene and is evidence of immense personal maturation.

With the maturity the last few years have afforded him comes the simple realization ... there's no petty rap beef anymore. He's had his share of that in his younger days, but that's just not where he's at right now. And don't ask him about Chicago hate; the man isn't hearing it. He's grown.

“The last year or two of my life has been way different than before. I'm doing my music thing, I still have a regular gig, I have kids, I have a wife,” Visual says. “I've gone through all those changes in the past year and a half.”

He's a regular working class guy with a steady day job, who happens to rap. Not a rapper with a day job. This is an important distinction to make. He is free from the pressure of making music to support a family, his music reflects a comfort level that a lot of rappers aren't afforded.

Working Class Legend Tracklisting

01. Gettin' It 3:53
02.     Never Sold Crack (feat. Cap D) - Visual, Cap D     3:59
03.     The Planet     3:52
04.     Grown Man Minutes     3:29
05.     Till the Day I Die (feat. Wes Restless) - Visual, Wes Restless     3:29
06.     "F' Dreams, Make Plans"     3:43
07.     What I'm On     3:46
08.     Super Man     4:34
09.     We Gonna Fly     2:16
10.     Credit Interlude     1:51
11.     What's Up Joe (feat. Ale Nova) - Visual, Ale Nova     3:07
12.     Bills (feat. Sharkula aka Thigahmajigee) - Visual, Sharkula aka Thigahmajigee     4:15
13.     Pay Day (feat. Scheme, Astonish) - Visual, Scheme, Astonish     3:59
14.     Self Motivated (feat. Rios, Dism) - Visual, Rios, Dism     3:52
15.     Besides the Bull$#!+...     4:05
16.     I Know     3:24
17.     Livin' My Life     4:01
18.     Working Class Legend     9:02

"Working Class Legend" by Visual - release date: 01/27/09..

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