Reppa Ton – The Third Power (Datpiff)
While talent is often considered to be an essential prerequisite, it’s focus that determines its representation. While it’s obvious Reppa Ton has skills (especially if you’ve seen him perform live), this project is an odd collection that is missing that “something.”
Reppa Ton – The Third Power (Datpiff)
While talent is often considered to be an essential prerequisite, it’s focus that determines its representation. While it’s obvious Reppa Ton has skills (especially if you’ve seen him perform live), this project is an odd collection that is missing that “something.” For instance, its starts with a fast-paced intro track, “The Story Of He.” It’s 1:22 of Reppa Ton building momentum, which is then lost when it’s followed by an instrumental track, “Things On Her Mind.” After that it’s “Horoscope,” which by itself is a good song, but within the arrangement of this project is an odd place to pick things back up, especially with its slowed vocals and synth-heavy production. After that, he goes to the ladies with “Lust 69,” and then another instrumental, which sounds like it would have been a great track if he took the time to record some vocals on it. From there, it’s the downtempo “Life After Death,” then “Trapped,” which is in my opinion hurt by the sing-songy hook, though the point is strong. It’s tough being an artist. You never feel like your work is at the level you want it to be, and even when you do, someone else feels the exact opposite way. In this case, being that I know this guy, I don’t think Reppa Ton thought this was his best work. But it’s definitely a release made with the best of intentions, and that’s a good place to start… for better or worse.
Louie P & Nobi – Global Warning (Datpiff)
Oh that 90’s, up-north sound. Remember that? Not just Illmatic, but CNN, Mobb Deep, Pete Rock & CL Smooth… AZ, Gang Starr… sound familiar? Nobi and Louie P sound like they came straight out of a time machine… a New York time machine. Scratches, samples, sports-based similes, and lots of passion. You can hear how much these guys love Hip-Hop in every track, which largely seems to be the result of the “if I can’t get it from you, I’m gonna make it myself” mentality that built this culture. All you need to do to decide if this is for you is listen to “2020,” though songs like “Hood Score” do have that on-the-block conceptuality of the “old days,” with a modern twist. And for you millennial listeners out there, don’t worry, there’s not too much of that “rap is wack, I hate the trap stuff” on here that supposed “old school heads” like to beat you over the head with. Instead, these guys focus their effort on letting their work speak for itself–and speak it does. Check it out.
