|
RJD2 and Blueprint are maybe the best thing to happen to hip-hop
since Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Hailing from the Oh state (Ohio),
the two released their debut EP Unlimited in 2002 and have
recently put out their newest masterpiece 8,000,000 Stories.
On the production end, RJD2 does it again. You can see throughout
the album RJ’s eclectic choice of samples well crafted
from start to end. In the twenty-first century, I am not sure
if there is any DJ out there with breaks as good as RJ’s.
In an interview, RJ said that when he makes a beat he has
two things in mind: variety and diversity. This is definitely
apparent throughout the album. His beats make you ponder on
whether it was a group or producer that made the music.
Lyrically, 8,000,000 is a strong album because it incorporates
the best of both worlds: battle rhymes and some great storytelling.
Blueprint is an impassioned, articulate MC (you can actually
understand what he is saying) who can actually move you with
his lyrics. The opening track on the cd, “Intro”
has Blueprint narrating over some dope scratching that more
or less sets the mood for the album. “Printmatic”
has some classic Print battle rhymes over some funky RJ bass
and drums. The “Jerry Spring Episode” is a solid
track that examines the downsides of relationships, and “Fuckajob”
is another “I hate work kind of deals.” The best
tracks on the album, in terms of both production and rhyme
content, are probably “Share this,” “No
excuse for lovin’”, and “Run”.
8,000,000 Stories is decent album caveat its lack of cameos
(only the hidden track “Still Listening” featuring
Copywrite and Jakki Da Motamouth and “Survival”
featuring Greenhouse Effect are on the album). Nonetheless,
RJ’s dexterity and Blueprint’s fervor make up
for it. COP IT.
|
