3:33EP-1 by 3:33 (Parallel Thought)
Experimental can’t even begin to explain what transpires on 3:33EP-1. Conceived by a handful of “anonymous” artists affiliated with East Coast trio Parallel Thought, 3:33 treat their listeners to 23 intense minutes of dense rumbling drums and distorted synth melodies that could easily pass as theme music for a slasher film. The instrumentals rarely stray away from this nightmarish psyche, with eerie crescendos steadily pounding throughout. All track titles similarly carry the “333” mantra, leaving little indication as to what exactly this group had in mind with this project, and maybe that’s for the best. If you’re up for the task, 3:33EP-1 is a dark yet delightful twist to the normal conformities that are attributed to Hip Hop.
Purchase 3:33EP-1 by 3:33 (Parallel Thought)
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Bone Brothers IV by Bizzy Bone & Layzie Bone
The Bone Brothers series between Bone Thugs-N-Harmony members Bizzy Bone and Layzie Bone has never been a reputable benchmark to judge their past triumphs, and their latest effort Bone Brothers IV does little to change this forecast. Whether their reminiscing about imprisoned soldiers (“It’s For You”) or cruising the streets of Cleveland (“Sittin’ Low”), the two most active members of the rapid rhyme-slinging quintet (now a core four) do little to solidify their duo partnership outside of the main crew. As with any BTNH release, their energy over the microphone is still very much an engaging trait to witness. However, only a few tracks make a respectable mark, such as the rock-induced cut “Hard Core.” The rest of Bone Brothers IV is more attuned to records like “In My Blood” and “Fuck Em,” where choppy production, weak hooks and rash lyricism gives way to forgettable music. With nearly two decades in the game, Bizzy Bone and Layzie Bone are much better than what this project has to offer.
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Purchase Bone Brothers IV by Bizzy Bone & Layzie Bone
Vulture’s Wisdom Vol. 2 by Opio
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As Opio of Souls Of Mischief nonchalantly weaves his lyrical dexterity between weed and women, you’d be hard-pressed to find any practical insight imparted on Vulture’s Wisdom Vol. 2, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. This loose demeanor combined with close producer Architect’s smooth backdrops allows Opio space to toss in proverbial booty talk (“Spanish Harlem,” “C’mon Baby”) with the occasional rolling paper rhymes (“A New Style”), all the while showcasing a delivery that keeps 90’s Hip Hop close to heart. With that said, his similar approach to Vol. 1 in keeping the tracks short is a significant factor, as more times than not it feels as though Opio is unable to fully flush out his ideas. The closest we get to full concept cuts are “Bill Collectors” and “Driven By Mission Not Money,” with the former cleverly discussing Op’s struggles to keep up with the financial demands of his life. Vulture’s Wisdom Vol. 2 may not expand Opio’s commercial reach, but it’s certainly enough to hold over his current following until the series’ third installment.
Purchase Vulture’s Wisdom Vol. 2 by Opio
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Behind The Curtain by !llmind
As if it hadn’t been evident since he landed on the scene via Akrobatik’s 2003 album Balance, Behind The Curtain vehemently proves you can never go wrong with production from !llmind. A chameleon of his craft, the New Jersey-based producer nimbly shifts from street-laden cuts (“Cornered,” “Ahead Of Da Game”) to smoother, layered beats (“Wannabee,” “From My Head”) that will equally have your head nodding. In only a few instances does !llmind get a bit carried away with cluttered synth-bloops and staggering drums (“Big Idea,” “Giving Up”). However, the rest of Behind The Curtain carefully emits an emotional vibe, such as the melancholic melodies of “Answer Me” and “Zulema.” On the latter record, swaying strings and pensive piano keys tactfully morose above sparse drums that could convincingly turn any blue sky into gray. Aspiring producers, respect the jux.
