THE MARKSMAN - "Point Blank"

(front cover) (tray card)
THE MARKSMAN--"Point Blank"
Š1997 Mark Baranowski
~CD out of print~

Track list:
1. Point Blank* (3:39)
2. A.L.A.R.M.* (6:10)
3. Hear the Flow (4:46)
4. Peace of What? (2:31)
5. The Darkness* (5:16)
6. No Trouble* (2:08)
7. This Ain't Nothin' (4:08)
8. Break It Down (4:32)
9. Smooth As It Goes (5:54)
10. Busta, You're My Hero (1:40)
11. Misc. Joint (3:00)
Bonus demo tracks, available on CD only:
12. What We Do (1:51)
13. Better Off Dead (4:18)
14. X(XX)-on (5:33)

*featured in Jason Paul Collum's independent horror film, 5 DARK SOULS, Part 2

This full-length, 11-track rap album was Mark's first professionally produced release!
Containing serious, often inspiring lyrics and heavy beats, it's been called "a much-needed sound in hip-hop"!

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Point Blank reviews:
"Marksman Nears What Rap Should Be"
Point Blank by The Marksman is different than most rap you've probably ever heard. First of all, he's white, but Everlast has proven that does not matter, and The Marksman just adds more evidence to that fact. Secondly, he speaks from his heart. Most rap out there is either on a major label, or is trying to attract a major label. That means they'll make what they think will sell, even if they're lyrics are all fake. If for no other reason, The Marksman's honesty in his lyrics makes his CD worth listening to, if not buying. It doesn't have the appeal to listen to at mindless parties where everyone is drunk. Instead, Point Blank is a CD to listen to when you are sick of the studio gangsters, and all those CDs that have pages of lyrics, but still say absolutely nothing.
The Marksman also deserves a lot of respect for writing and producing his own CD in his own home studio. I look forward to his next CD because I know his producing abilities will only improve, and his music will likely evolve into something great. I hope he gets the chance to release another album.
He opens the CD will the title track, Point Blank. As the listener hears the lyrics in the song, he or she starts to wonder if he's cocky like every other rapper, but after about 30 seconds, you know he's not. He just has a lot of confidence, which is very important to anyone trying to do anything. The first track is also where you realize he is speaking from his heart, and does have some true words of wisdom.
As the CD continues, the beats get phatter, and you can tell he put some time into his music. He doesn't just loop a beat like a lot of rap. This is most evident in the third track, Hear The Flow. In Hear The Flow is where you hear The Marksman at his best vocally. He flows with the beat very well, and anyone listening to the song begins to bob their head.
Point Blank has it all, between dynamic beats, and intelligent lyrics, to humor found in Peace Of What, the fourth track on the eleven track CD. If you want to know more about the person, then Peace Of What is the track to listen to. He reveals his birthdate and nationality, as well as his religious belief. The track continues with a cool beat, and more good rapping.
The last track I want to mention specifically is track five, The Darkness. You feel like you're walking down a pitch black alley, paranoid about vampires jumping out and biting your neck. The tempo is much slower than any other song on the CD, and the lyrics get even stronger than on the earlier tracks.
So, if you want intelligent rap, with more than just a looped beat, then Point Blank by The Marksman hits the bullseye.
--from www.ummusic.com

For a Polish-American Catholic from Buffalo, NY, Mark Baranowski, a/k/a The Marksman, makes some credible hip-hop. No joke, this is serious mellow hardcore, marked by space-alien keys, whompin' beats and The Marksman's tough, nimble rapping. He upholds his right to be white and comes on strong against gangsta rap in "Hear The Flow" but wisely avoids naming names, except to give props on "Busta, You're My Hero." Mostly he advocates a straight-edge, sharp-dressing lifestyle and hits out at intolerance and ignorance. Hardly any violence, just a little soft-core sex ("Smooth As It Goes") and a positive message...
--from Jim Santo's Demo Universe

Rap music that goes way back, back to basic backing tracks and a focus on slick rhymin' and serious subjects. I would never have such a connection in 1988, but the Marksman kicks out in the style of Run-DMC and Paris.
Not as political as the latter, of course, but well-considered and introspective. Rap that focuses on, well, rapping.
The music is not much more than basic beats with some simple ornamentation. This isn't dance music. It's rap music. Like the olden days. A weird sorta nostalgia thing....Nice to hear some real rapping.
--from Aiding & Abetting #156 (April 6, 1998)

"This music convinced a non-believer..."
I first listened to this CD half-heartedly, not knowing what I was getting myself into. What has been publicized about rap lately is how brutal it has gotten, everyone killing or being killed. As soon as I heard the title track, I remembered what it was like in the good old days, when all that mattered was being with your honey and heading to the beach. Even though I was more used to mellow music, something about the smooth beats and subtle rhythms sucked me in, and created a fan. The Marksman has taken us back to basics, before all the hate... of course, it's up to us to join him for the ride. (4 out of 5 stars)
--from a "music fan," at Amazon.com (March 4, 1999)

Š2001-2007 Mark Baranowski