Regenerated Headpiece "Rat Race Vacation" (GlobalHipHop Records) - Just as mainstream hip hop gets redundant when you constantly hear about the money's they've made and honey's they've slayed, the underground can get just as redundant. They have no money, they keep it real, we've heard it all before right? It depends, the same rule applies that does to the commercial hip hop; subject matter can be repeated as long as it is done with style. Jay-Z doesn't talk about anything that Big Daddy Kane didn't 14 years ago, but his wit and clever word play keep it fresh. 
So why should I regenerate my headpiece? Are they bringing anything new? 
Yes and no, they aren't saying anything that hasn't been touched upon but goddamn they are doing it with a style that is all their own. It is not just what they are saying, it is how it is said, lead emcee Phon-X is no doubt a gifted lyricist. He flips clever lines that just beg for quotation marks. Overall, their sound is very unique, their vocals often tower over the beats, which themselves, are very well put together. They are most successful on tracks like "Rhythmically Rhyming," "Obese," and "Spectacular Vernacular." These songs work well because the beats and song structure fit the emcee's styles perfectly. It is very clear that they put a lot of thought into the construction of this album, which hurts it as much as it helps it. While the focus and detail is appreciated, certain songs sound forced and unnatural. Nonetheless, Regenerated Headpiece offers a nice dose of variety and makes a nice addition to any music collection. - Jeff Ryce
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Music fans like to complain about a lot of things. Almost mediocre talents selling millions of albums, poseurs crashing an undiscovered scene and stealing all the hot ordeurves, and that unforgivable sin: selling out. But the truth is, everyone is looking for the next great band that creates soundtracks for their lives. Your life is the hard part; but luckily for you, your soundtrack is right here at Amazon. "Rat Race Vacation" is a simple point and click away.


And what a soundtrack it is! Trip-hop jazz at two in the morning? "Rhythmically Rhyming" has got you covered. Dive bar blues with the boys and a round of extra spicy buffalo wings on a Friday night? "Obese" is a click away. Need to get the party moving like Booger in "Revenge of the Nerds"? Save the blunts for later; pump "Get Your Head On" to eleven. Funky Swamp Rap that could whip Madonna's leather chaps right off her...you know. Take two swigs of "Talkin' About Stuff" and call me in the morning. 


Influences abound: I count at least two dozen, not including Beastie Boys, Afrika Bambaataa, Devo, and Run-DMC in their prime. But the issue is far more important that who or what these guys sound like. Hip-Hop is in a state of crisis. Aren't you tired of listening to glam-rock hip-hoppers who are more interested in selling clothes and soap detergent than disseminating a positive message and dropping mind-altering beats? Remember, it was an unknown three piece that changed the world in 1991 with just a single album. Isn't it about time the same thing happened to hip-hop? You can make that happen. Be early to the party for once instead of jumping on the bandwagon. 

                            Read more...