By the time his 2008 solo debut “The Preface” was released, eLZhi was already recognized as one of hip-hop’s most gifted lyricists. The Detroit emcee was still a member of Slum Village at the time, having replaced hip-hop icon J Dilla in the legendary group earlier that decade. “The Preface” showcases eLZhi’s undeniable talent and impressive creative flair, foreshadowing the exciting solo career that would follow. With a young Black Milk supplying pounding, drum-heavy production on 13 of the album’s 16 tracks, eLZhi’s dense verses electrify the mic, announcing the arrival of a truly special artist. Whether riffing on color-themed wordplay, playing a lyrical game of “fill in the blank”, taking listeners on a dream logic adventure, telling his personal story, or simply showing off his scorching rhyme skills, eLZhi’s flawless flows animate the highly conceptual collection. A thoroughly Detroit affair, “The Preface” features appearances by Motown rap gods