Wordburglar @ CMW 2006

Hometown:  Halifax, NS

Background/Composition: Clever east coaster tosses out side-splitting punchlines over hard beats.

Grade: 86

Comment: Wordburglar is one of the last people you'd expect to be an MC based on his skater-boy appearance. But the sly smirk on his face and his relentlessly clever flow make him as a confident veteran. Scored high on both the head-nodding and laughter scales.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Wordburglar seems to get off on defying expectations, almost like he wants people to underestimate him so he can blow their minds. He was equally engaging between songs, particularly when hilariously explaining the joys of Donair sandwiches.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: E
Organization:G
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Despite rapping about such offbeat subject matter as the paper route he had as a kid, Wordburglar's beats were hard and crisp, with a touch of the funhouse whimsy that matched his personality. His punchlines were consistently funny, often more so after replaying them in your head a couple of times (Sample gem: "I got more lines than cokeheads playing Tetris.").

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Wordburglar doesn't traffic in deep messages, but he at least has the humility to acknowledge his place as a comic rapper. His wit isn't confined to his lyrics, either, as he used it to deflect some early heckling. Overall, his skill with words and sense of humour are an easy sell.