Souljoint.com - Album Review MATHEMATIK - No Division [URBNET Records] By Nicole Ryan (December 2005) Hip-Hop pioneer, Mathematik comes correct on his latest album, No Division. After five long years, his hard work has paid off and this time it's clear as day. Math, a former member of the crew, Down To Erf, brings a structured tapestry of lyrical content to his music. On the grind since the 90’s, Math’s equation has finally resulted in a positive number. No Division takes you back to that old school feeling without straying too far down memory lane. "If It Isn’t" is an ode to rhyming, love of the game, and putting ink to the pad. Math uses a straightforward beat, which is accompanied by a catchy yet memorable hook, creating his own lines but using New Edition’s "If It Isn’t Love." "Situation" is a come-to-terms track. Math dotes on the reality of elements in his life: whatever it was, is and will be. Math lets those still chasing the dream, know that their time will come. A light use of the cymbal with a tight beat goes hand in hand with Math’s flow. Jazz influenced track "Letter 2 John" is one of the more sophisticated tracks on this album. A letter in the form of a song to his late friend adds sentiment to this album and shows the softer side of Math. At first the combination of beats feels almost too overwhelming, but soon fades into a more concentrated beat. Connoisseurs of the game will appreciate this album, especially “The Perfect Storm”, a track that takes you back to Das Efx days with his rapid-fire flow and vintage beat. "Diligence" is the do-good, feel-good track, using a simple keyboard beat. “Let’s play diligence/I get my deeds done/with knowledge like this I receive from/my hip-hop’s locked/I got the key son/so let each one, teach one. Math hasn’t miscalculated yet." "Toronto" is not just the name of Math’s city. Living in Toronto, Math has taken his free flow one step further and becoming a professional, while enduring the stress and life’s turns. Not your typical rep your city track, Math gives his audience, a hint of what he encounters in T-dot. Yes, all artists must try new things. That’s what experimenting is all about, right? Well, "Free Your Soul" is a bit of an experiment, one that almost makes it out of place on the album. Although his flow is always on point, the beat doesn’t seem to suit the rest of the album. Perhaps arrangement was off that day? "Still The Same" reminds me of a hook from Mos Def’s album Black On Both Sides. This well-crafted musical content explains that nothing much has changed. In essence, even when the players change, it’s still the same ol’ game. "Play To Win" is the least favourite track on the album. Though the rhymes about getting down in the club, the track is lackluster and has no immense energy. The beat is mediocre and lyrically this is his weakest job yet. With a sigh of relief, many could say that it is about time that Mathematik resurfaced. Toronto’s finest has been politicking and managed to pull together a versatile album. With great production and superb lyrical content, this rapper slash producer has gone beyond the depths of an emcee to create his latest album to date. Mathematik has formulated the perfect equation for success.