Album Review: Words of Wizdm by Wizdm – A Conscious Hip-Hop Gem from Down Under
Let’s get one thing straight—1998 wasn’t just about The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill or Aquemini. Over in Australia, a dude named Wizdm dropped Words of Wizdm, and it’s the kind of album that sneaks up on you like a koala in the bush. Self-released under his own steam (no label, no fuss), Wizdm carved out a space for conscious hip-hop with this record. It’s raw, reflective, and unapologetically Aussie—a vibe that sticks with you long after the needle lifts.
First off, let’s talk tracks. You can’t skim through this joint without stopping at “Much Love Part 3.” Man, this song hits different. It’s got this smooth flow, almost like Wizdm is sitting across from you, sharing wisdom over a cuppa. The beat? Simple but soulful, letting his words breathe. He talks about gratitude, growth, and staying true to yourself—stuff we all need reminders of. And yeah, sure, “Much Love” comes in parts throughout the album (Parts 1, 2, and 3), but Part 3 feels like the mic drop moment. Like, he’s saying, “Yo, I’ve been building to this, so listen up.”
Then there’s “Attack of the Game Show Host.” What even is this track? Is it satire? A flex? A little bit of both? The energy shifts here—it’s playful yet sharp, kinda like when someone roasts you but makes you laugh while doing it. The production has these quirky samples that feel like they’re straight outta some retro game show, but Wizdm flips it into something fresh. Lyrically, he goes hard, taking shots at fake personas and surface-level fame. It’s clever as hell and shows off his knack for storytelling without being preachy.
Other bangers like “Sydney Represents” give props to his hometown, while “Funk Interlude” keeps things groovy. Tracks like “Higher Views” make you pause and think about life beyond the daily grind. Honestly, the whole project flows like a late-night convo with an old mate—you know, the kind where you solve world problems and reminisce about random stuff.
What sticks with me most about Words of Wizdm is how real it feels. There’s no shiny polish or big-budget gloss; it’s just Wizdm spitting truths over beats he clearly poured heart into. Sure, it might not slap as hard as some mainstream classics from ‘98, but that’s what makes it special. This ain’t trying to be anything other than itself.
Here’s the kicker though—how many albums from the '90s still sound relevant today? Not enough. But Words of Wizdm does. Maybe because its messages are timeless, or maybe because Wizdm knew exactly who he was making music for: people who care more about substance than spectacle. Either way, it’s worth revisiting if you’re into hip-hop that challenges your brain as much as it bumps in your ride.
So next time you’re scrolling Spotify looking for something deep, give this hidden gem a spin. Who knows? You might just find yourself nodding along to a self-released masterpiece from an Aussie legend who never needed anyone else’s stamp of approval. Oh, and don’t forget to crank up “Much Love Part 3”—trust me, it’ll stay stuck in your head like Vegemite on toast.
