Cookbook & Uno Mas - While They Slept

WRITTEN BY MMOG37

Album Overview

“While they slept Cook was cookin on the dl…-Uno Mas from While they Slept”

Released in April 2006, While They Slept is the follow up to the Robertson Bullies EP also dropped around the same time. Cookbook and Uno Mas, both members of the legendary L.A. Symphony, and so it is not surprising that the LA Symph crew makes a guest appearance on one of the tracks “Uncut.” Former crew member Pigeon John also makes a guest appearance on “Take Control.” Cookbook sported the producer/arrangers hat on all but three tracks, “Day & Night,” “Unstoppable,” and “The Realness” which were produced by former Symph Crew member Kiz Charismatic. Kiz also guest appears on “Day & Night” and (my new theme song) “Unstoppable.” Executive production featured the talents of Josh Niemisjki, Jae Choi and Jon Madison. Other guests include Tiano Soto on the Intro (which is a bit on the cra-azy side) and former Symph Crew members Great Jason on “Watch Them Cops,” and bTwice on “Time is All I Got.”

This project has solid production, clever mixing and arrangements and it’s own unique sound. It was a nice break from all of the typical dirty south krunk style projects coming out. The fun loving and witty personalities come through in each track even when dealing with somewhat serious topics, such as being harassed by the police on “Watch Them Cops.” Track 4, “Let It Go,” was one of my favs and contrary to the track’s title I couldn’t “let it go” until I had listened several times. What I appreciated about While They Slept is the fact that because it is not preachy or your typical gospel rap album, it cleverly sneaks past the defenses people tend to put up when they anticipate someone about to tell them something religious or something that they don’t want to hear. This album is one that if you listen you just might learn something
by the time it is over.

Spiritual Significance

If you are familiar at all with any of L.A. Symphony’s music then I am sure that you
know that they are not known for preachy or scriptural lyricals. That is not to say that their music doesn’t have any spiritual significance and, in fact, in some instances it is just the opposite. Tracks like “Alllright” deal with being ourselves and keeping the focus where it belongs on God.

“Never rearrange or build up any type of facade… we just stick to this plan and give the Glory to God. -Uno Mas”

Another track “Unstoppable” featuring Kiz Charismatic deals with pressing on even in the midst of betrayals and others advancing on ahead of you, and asking God which way to go, rise above it and keep the focus on Him. Not only did I find the hook infectious and smooth but after listening to it several times I couldn’t help but recognize who I am in Christ and that made me feel Unstoppable. “Let It Go” deals with chillin out and avoiding the things that cause us stress and strife as well as pressing past obstacles. As I said, there aren’t any heavy scriptural references or what some might call meaty lyrics, however, the messages within it hold spiritual applications for us all, messages like being diligent, letting go of the things that cause stress and strife, finding a godly mate, ect.

Topics Covered

The title track, “While They Slept,” talks of putting in work, striving to do your best and remaining diligent even while others have given up. There seems to be a constant theme and that was diligence and perseverance as several songs dealt with this topic. [Let It Go, Unstoppable, Dangerous Minds, Take Control, While They Slept] Other topics covered included social issues like Police harassment [Watch Them Cops], Finding a godly mate [Day and Night], trying to fit in or identifying with those around you [Brownsville, CA].

Key Tracks

Let It Go, Alllright, Unstoppable, Take Control