Saul Williams is the second solo studio album by Saul Williams. It was released by Fader Label in 2004. It features contributions from Serj Tankian, Zack de la Rocha, and Isaiah "Ikey" Owens.
Contents
Critical reception
Adam Greenberg of AllMusic gave the album 4 stars out of 5, saying: "On his self-titled album, Williams moves toward a slightly more accessible format (compared to his previous, more poetry driven work) with twisted guitar lines, heavy bass thumps, and a closer stab at singing from time to time." Robert Gabriel of The Austin Chronicle gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5, saying: "Social, psychological, and cultural mores are run through a ringer of rap transformed as punk, metal, and jungle with Williams self-producing much of his own inflammatory cache." Mike Diver of Drowned in Sound gave the album a 10 out of 10, saying: "Its importance is absolute." Ari Levenfeld of PopMatters said, "Saul Williams' attempt to save hip hop is admirable, if not entirely successful."
Personnel
Credits adapted from liner notes.
Musicians
Saul Williams – vocals, programming, production (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Mickey P – co-production (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), programming (8), additional programming (2, 3, 5, 7), engineering, mixing
Serj Tankian – production (1), piano (1), background vocals (1)
Ani Maljian – background vocals (1)
Musa Bailey – production (2), programming (2)
Thavius Beck – production (4)
Zack de la Rocha – additional vocals (4)
Saturn – background vocals (5)
Isaiah "Ikey" Owens – piano (7), organ (7)
Mia Doi Todd – additional vocals (11)
Carmen – background vocals (11)
Technical personnel
Brandy Flower – design, photography
Keba Konte – photography
Katina Parker – photography
Varshini Soobiah – photography
Bridgette Yellen – photography