CD Review: Mike Shinoda of LInkin Park’s Solo Album The Rising Tied

Mike Shinoda, previously remembered by fans of Linkin Park, has created a rap side project under the name Fort Minor. In the fall of 2005, Shinoda released his first album. Entitled The Rising Tied, it was executive produced by Jay-Z. Shinoda has received great success from his first album; his single Where’d You Go has reached high popularity in the United States, as it can be heard on just about any pop radio station at any time of day.

On a side note, his other single, Remember The Name, was used by TNT during many of the NBA playoffs broadcasts. Shinoda chose the name Fort Minor because everyone involved in the making of the album is a rising talent in the rap game. He also chose the name as a name highlighting opposites: something big (Fort) versus something small (Minor).

As stated before, Shinoda was the co-front man for Linkin Park, an extremely popular rap-rock band. One could then assume that Shinoda might have difficulty breaking from the band when creating a solo album. Lucky for Mike, he has managed to create an original rap album, one full of complex beats and lyrics that many can relate to.

The lyrics are a major force behind Shinoda and his popularity. Most popular rap in this day contains lyrics that focus mainly on sex, the consumption of alcohol and drugs, and the less-than-stellar treatment of women. Shinoda’s lyrics focus mainly on his own life and his own tribulations he has gone through. They are quite personal, which makes it easy for any listener to relate or connect to in some way.

It seems that rap is truly what Shinoda likes to do. In no way is he going to stop performing and producing with Linkin Park, but it is obvious that he has true talent as a rapper. The beats are unlike any rap that is out today, partly because Shinoda chose to use real instruments rather than sequenced keyboards. Shinoda had his hand in every aspect of the album-making process, and it is evident because one can feel the Linkin Park ties in the music itself.

Linkin Park has not made much new material lately, other than their compilation with Jay-Z. Fort Minor would not only tide over a Linkin Park fan yearning for something new, it would provide that fan with a new understanding of Shinoda’s talent and a new appreciation to rap music.

It seems that Mike has thrown some dignity and respect into rap. No longer can rap just be considered a genre that highlights immoral behavior or can solely be used as dance music; it can be emotional and personal as well and contain a deeper meaning that actually adds to one’s intellect. Shinoda’s rising talent can only make Linkin Park fans, and rap fans alike, very eager to hear something new from the talented man. For now, fans of both genres can enjoy The Rising Tied, an emotional and exciting journey through Shinoda’s life.