The Bridge: Concept of a Culture
by Grandmaster Flash
  • Record Label: Strut
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2009
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. RapReviews.com
    70
    Flash and his collaborators provide good beats and rhymes so if this is what a "studio album" is for Flash in 2009 let's just hope there are plenty more on the way.
  2. Mojo
    60
    While beats like 'Shine All Day's' electronic bounce feel odd at first, they gradually begin to make sense, while KRS-One's 'What If?' and the Supernatural-helmed 'Tribute To The Breakdancer' will keep the most ardent old-schoooler happy. [Apr 2009, p.108]
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  3. PopMatters
    60
    The Bridge is undoubtedly well-produced and nearly every guest emcee puts forth respectable effort, but the whole album is missing that one song that could take it to the next level.
  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    Truly, though, I like to think that The Bridge takes the best of early- to mid-’90s hip-hop from New York, the synthesized sound of the last five to ten years, an interesting blend of MCs, and an ear for a slammin’ beat, and puts them together in a package that isn’t necessarily mind-blowing, but that is at least complete, well-intended, and meaningful.
  6. Spin
    50
    Overall, The Bridge has a very Reagan-era vibe, and not just due to appearances by KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane.
  7. Uncut
    40
    The album's ersatz old school mode inevitably pales when judged against the revolutionary Flash asides. [Mar 2009, p86]
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  8. Q Magazine
    40
    Only the stripped-down electro of 'Here Comes My DJ' shows anything like his old form. [Apr 2009, p.105]
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  9. Pitchfork
    35
    The production of The Bridge sounds like it came out of an extended catch-up session, the work of a man best accustomed to the breakbeat era's techniques trying his hand at the last ten years' worth of club-rap digitalism.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. NicoDaFlagburna
    Jan 27, 2011
    6
    The title would suggest that this album is going to bridge the gap between hip-hop's origins and today's mainstream records. UnfortunatelyThe title would suggest that this album is going to bridge the gap between hip-hop's origins and today's mainstream records. Unfortunately Flash's productions are underwhelming and his vocal collaborations are slightly off the radar. Sometimes I feel that Flash is just aimlessly mixing tracks in his attempt to find a balance between vibrant club hip-hop and old-school DJ looping. The end result is that the record lacks direction and is let down by generally weak vocal contributions. Overall its a mixed bag but the standout track "Shine All Day" is worth a listen. 6/10 62/100… Full Review »
  2. AlexF
    Mar 18, 2009
    3
    It's just not good. The beats sound very messy and Grandmaster Flash didn't just deliver his best on this one. Extremely disappointed.
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