Times Neue Roman @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
The hip-hop duo contrasts chill rhythms with machinegun rhymes.

Grade: 79

Comment:
Honestly, I've always found motormouth rapper and TNR frontman Arowbe just a little off-putting. His voice can seem whiny and his white guy/tough guy hip-hop swagger just doesn't work. In spite of all that he wins me over with sheer skill. His rhymes are articulate, clever, and delivered with exact rhythm and crystal clarity. Along with righthand man J. R.'s mellow rhythms and cool composure, Times Neu Roman have a solid identity around which they are steadily building fans.

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: G
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
I already told you all about Arowbe's undeniable skill. His rhymes are too crisp to be ghettoized in this section. His stage presence, unfortunately, seems aloof. He has a tendency to look off into space as he raps, like he's too busy to identify with the crowd. He comes off somehow selfish or arrogant.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Peter Project's Peter Chapman stayed on stage to provide beats and scratches for TNR. Meanwhile, J. R. filled in with smooth melodies on his small keyboard or plucked out retro soul bass lines. The jams were relaxed, but danceable crowd pleasers.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposable Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It's officially no longer weird or groundbreaking to put a hip-hop artist on a so-called indie rock bill. The download and shuffle age is for musical omnivores. Genres are for grandmas.