Linkin Park had the rock-rap scene on lock, and Mike Shinoda—co-founder, guitarist, co-vocalist, songwriter, and keyboardist for the band—released The Rising Tied in 2005 under the Fort Minor moniker. The album was conceived from Shinoda’s desire to record a purely hip-hop album, and with Jay-Z as the executive producer and guest appearances by Common, Black Thought, John Legend, and Styles of Beyond, he definitely got what he wished for. Mike may not be the nicest on the mic (he’s not bad though), but the beats knock, and you really can’t deny the appeal of pop joints like “Where’d You Go” featuring Holly Brook or the strings-driven “Remember The Name.”

• zoetropic picture disc double vinyl pressing
• limited edition
• original release year: 2005
• music label Warner Records 2023

reviewed by buffalo fingers 06/2016