PRhyme – PRhyme 2 Reaction

3.5

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iTunes

Royce da 5’9 and DJ Premier teaming up to form a rap duo was an unexpected but very dope surprise a few years back. In my book, they are some of the most criminally underrated ones to ever do it in hip-hop; particularly Royce, Premier gets a little more respect. So pairing the two together could only lead to some real heat and that’s exactly what we got. Back for a second round they don’t waste a single drop on any sort of flourishes or extravagances in their music. It’s just straight bars and classic production from Premier – there’s no larger concepts, there’s hardly any skits, and songs rarely go much longer than 3 and half minutes. So if you’re looking for some insane wordplay from one of the best lyricists out there and love Premier’s classic scratches and essential hip-hop beat making then you’re in for something special. If however, you’re looking for that more contemporary style of rap that’s full of breakdowns, beat switch ups, conceptual stories, and experimentation with other genres, then this is definitely not for you. It’s hard to be critical of artists who absolutely know what they’re best at and stick to that lane. They know their audience and know what they want, and PRhyme 2 delivers on that front, just don’t expect this to strike a chord with others outside of that core group.

1

Skyzoo – In Celebration of Us Reaction

Skyzoo dropped off a fully realized project that's a complete celebration of blackness, fatherhood, and community; and while it's overall tale is a small, personal affair, the way he paints the picture makes it feel like a much grander journey and by the ending's heartfelt revelation I found myself fully invested. Add to that an ridiculous pen full of rewind worthy gems and phenomenal production makes this a top tier hip-hop album that must be heard.

4.8

Stars

Apple Music

2

The Brown Tape Reaction

Things just seem to gel better with Brown's more traditional boom-bap and sample heavy sounds as Ghostface Killah's sinister lyrics glide more effortlessly than before and the dark tales have decidedly more pop. The end result may be less ambitious than Younge's previous effort but it is a better match and a smoother listen.

4

Stars

Apple Music

3

Revival Reaction

I don't know what happened to the Slim Shady who could point out society's absurdities with nonchalant ease or rip apart hard rap beats like no other, but going off of this album, that guy is all but gone. I have to go back and listen to his old music just to get this bad taste out of my mouth.

1

Stars

Apple Music

“Now, first the Dipset split up, then Azealia Banks leave Twitter
And now you niggas hatin’ on Nickel
I just been the same standup nigga since the day I came in this game
And I just come in here to stay til’ I’m crippled”

Have you heard PRhyme 2? What’d you think about it? Are you glad they stayed away from the more contemporary sounds? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions to the album.

PRhyme – PRhyme 2 Reaction

Conclusion

If you're looking for some insane wordplay from one of the best lyricists out there and love Premier's classic scratches and essential hip-hop beat making then you're in for something special. If however, you're looking for that more contemporary style of rap that's full of breakdowns, beat switch ups, conceptual stories, and experimentation with other genres, then this is definitely not for you.

Fuego!!!

Rock It

Sunflower Seeds

Loved Ones

1 Of The Hardest

3.5

Stars

iTunes