The Album

Lemon Drop… the Beat is an early foray into wizhop, released under the name Dumbledore as the December 2007 installment of the Wizard Rock EP of the Month Club. Called “pioneers in wizard rap” by Susannah of Your Wizard Rock Resource, Dumbledore is a collaborative side project led by Harry and the Potters which produced only this single amazing four-track EP.

The Tracks

Give it up and get down for “jam master Dumbledore!” The energetic opening track Taking You 2 Skool establishes the album’s Dumbledore focus and dope old-school sound.

We hear “how Dumbledore rolls” when he indulges in his favorite pastime in D.Bowla. A hilarious ode to that tidbit on his chocolate frog card! (Although I’m partial to the headcanon that he was terrible at it, but loved the outfits and got a twinkle in his eye when Minerva would bowl a perfect game.)

I drop pins like Dark wizards

U Down w/OOTP (feat. Remus, Aberforth, and Snape Snape Severus Snape) is the real reason that “Wizrock is out, wizhop is in!” On this most highly reviewed track, Amanda Hurley, Neil Cicierega, Bradley Mehlenbacher, and Michael Golembewski feature as the Order of the Phoenix, loving their crew and hating on Voldemort’s posse. Albus also shouts out his favorite candies at the end of each hook (of course).

The DeGeorges (“We’re Aberforth and Albus Dumbledore!”) and their guest vocalists close the album with Hog’s Head party anthem WizardPartay2Nite, complete with goat bleats.

Throw your wands in the air, and wave ‘em like you just don’t care!

In Summary

I wish Dumbledore had pursued more wizard rap! UPDATE: Andrew W. brought to my attention that Dumbledore also released Drop the Needle, It’s Christmas on the 2005 album A Magical Christmas of Magic. Thanks for the recommendation, Andrew!

Lemon Drop… the Beat is such a fresh and fun departure for Harry and the Potters – and a chance for them to showcase their humorous wordplay. The neon cover art, Dumbledore theme, and old-school vibes all work really well here. I can feel the pure excitement of this massive collaboration reflecting the high energy at the peak of wizard rock.

 

If you love this album too, drop your favorite bars in the comments!