Enter Loe Pesci, one of the dopest battle rappers in Canada and one half of the group OG Hindu Kush, who have seemed to gain a lot of positive reviews for their OG Hindu Kush: In 3D album.
I promised Loe that I would check his music out, but never really had the chance to listen to a whole project. When GOOD X 2 debuted at #1 on bandcamp.com, I had to see what all the hype was about.
Let me start by saying that I like all sub-genres within rap/hip hop from the crunk and dboy shit to some of the more wordy and lyrical songs, but I LOVE that smooth east coast sound that embraces samples, snares, and jazz instruments. I was pleasantly surprised with I started GOOD X 2 - this is my sound!
When I first downloaded the album, I was surprised by all the artwork, then I loaded up iTunes and realized (aside from the regular album artwork, pictured above) all tracks had their own artwork. I haven't seen too many artist use the id3 tagging available with iTunes to their full advantage - huge plus. Let's look at the track list:
*1/5 - horrible, 2/5 - cmon son, 3/5 - good, 4/5 - great, 5/5 - future classic*
1. DMT with Joe Rogan - This track is crazy. Loe's slight accent, enunciation and sharp/aggressive delivery really allow his voice to shine over bass and snare production. I realized that Loe is capable of having a lyrically superior verse without succumbing to "shitty hook syndrome." Im glad he picked this song for his lead video - good choice.
Rating: 4/5 stars
2. Life Changing feat. Narcicist - This is another crazy beat; I need to find out who Loe's producer is. Im not a huge fan of rappers with the raspy voices (personal preference), but Narcicist was alright. Loe killed his verse and the hook. Line of the song, "You live with rats and bugs, you'll get your house raided."
Rating: 3/5 stars
3. Can't Get To Sleep feat. Justice McFly - This may be the best song on the album. My brother (who grew up in the "golden age" of hip hop and is friends with some of our favorite rappers) is the hugest hip hop critic I know. He walks in the room and says, "Oh my god this is crack, WHO IS THIS!" Definitely a superb track. Sonically, both Loe and Justice McFly had verses that seemed to fit perfect with the beat- I found myself not even caring about the lyrics, the whole song is crazy.
Rating: 5/5 stars (usually I only give 5s to classic hip hop songs)
4. WW3 feat. Justice McFly - I really like the verses on this song, but the hook isn't as crisp as the first three tracks.
Rating: 3/5 stars
5. My Sampler - I like the creative writing and idea behind this song, but if DMT with Joe Rogan is a 4, I cant rate them the same. Quote: "Dear MPC60, my schedule been busy" - raw.
Rating: 3/5 stars
6. Headbangers - The samples in this beat are very dope. We go right back to Loe's complicated, yet smooth and catchy hooks. This first line of the song definitely set the tone, "On the mic im too nice like Ned Flanders."
Rating: 4/5 stars
7. The Game feat. The Narcicyst - Great beat and two good verses. I think the hook would sound GREAT if it was done by a female vocalist.
Rating: 4/5 stars
8. Street Runner feat. The Narcicyst - Im not a big fan of emcee rapping over just bass and samples - its not a bad track though.
Rating: 3/5 stars
9. GOOD X 2 feat. Borden - Not a huge fan of the beat, but the hook is PERFECT - it brings up the overall value of the song. Borden reminded me a little of Prodigy with his smooth, yet gutter delivery - this joint definitely reminds me of the Mobb Deep glory days.
Rating: 4/5 stars
10. Ugly You feat. The Narcicyst - Narcicyst's voice is perfect for this beat. It was a great decision to make him go first and do the hook, the way he says "ugly you" makes the hook. By this time, I realized that Loe's verses wont dip under a certain quality. Not one bad Loe Pesci verse on the album. I liked the first two verses better than the third, but it is still a quality track. (On a second listen, I actually like the third verse.)
Rating: 4/5 stars
All in all, this is a very good album and a great solo effort from Loe, who should solidify his spot in Canadian hip hop, as well as the international underground scene. Its worth every dollar - a MUST BUY for hip hop heads. Pesci does a good job of staying in his lane and selecting the right production. I would love to hear an EP (maybe 5-7 tracks) where Loe has no features besides a few vocalists on his hooks. Cant wait to hear Loe Pesci's next project - he's gained a fan. Hopefully when I make it north of the border, we can hop in the studio.
Dope review, big ups to Pesh, he killed it on this.
ReplyDeleteLove him or hate him, no denying his talent.