WE'LL SHIP WHEN IT'S BACK IN STOCK

                            
A photo of a mother bottle-feeding a baby in a 70s-era apartment becomes the first introduction to Repeat Offenders debut By Example, and from that moment forward, hip-hop has a new face. The image, reminiscent of Esther Rolle as the matriarch of poverty-stricken Cabrini-Green, is engrained on our subconscious, and at the same time this sounds like the hip-hop soundtrack to Good Times that never was. Loaded with positive vibes and lyrics that don't require a Parental Advisory label, Repeat Offenders make throwback music for throwback folks. 

With interludes that create images of inner city America struggling to get ahead on deep pile shag carpet and Fat Albert cartoons, there are certainly comparisons to The Roots and Talib Kweli to be made, but the fact remains this is clearly separate and original. Tracks like "Building" fall back on Cooley High and Friday night life on the stoop, pouring some on the curb. 

Where Kanye West spends $20,000 on a jacket for the Grammys and pouts when he doesn't win, Repeat Offenders aren't in it for the glory, just the message. The RO weren't weaned in private schools and they make no bones about it. There's no glory in winning here, it comes with playing the game.

"Smooth Talker" has a bass line that's as groovy as Digable Planets' "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" and found its way into my iPod quicker than a Sugarhill Gang bootleg. "Be Strong" features a sample of Jerry Butler's "Only the Strong Survive" that sends this one through the stratosphere. There's no reason why this track should go unnoticed.

"Rain Trickles Down" and "I Believe" are strong in context and self-exploration that are only found in the earliest tracks of Boogie Down Productions. What highlights this album the most is what it doesn't have: sexist, tacky intermissions that permeate commercial releases. No need. Respect creates glory. Something Mystikal and Ludacris apparently don't understand. 

DIY hip-hop may just be making its mark, but Repeat Offenders are well on the way to becoming innovators of a still completely unformed genre and possibly becoming forefathers of a new breed of music-making.
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Originality.....to me its what many failed to bring out when a so-called artist drops an album. Nowadays you go to ya local album store, and all you SEE, and HEAR are duplicated versions of a marketed idea. KRS-One said it best, things in REALITY ain't always REAL. But when I put my ears to this album, it brings out somethin' natural, somethin' exquisit, somethin' REAL, somethin'...ORIGINAL. This isn't some planned out blueprint or marketive idea from whut coporate america would do to sell and exploit. This is somethin' independently made, by ya average joes that know whut HIP-HOP is and know the state of mind of being starving. BY EXAMPLE from REPEAT OFFENDERS is somethin' that many heads should adapt there ear drums too. The album takes you on a trip, kinda reminded me like whut Common Sense's One Day it would All Make Sense Album did. I enjoyed listenin' to these tracks, with its laidback vibes, and realistic concepts like SMOOTH TALKER, and I BELIEVE. Or coming with its skills on defining whut is really hardcore, pointing out its incomparible differences like the track STREET SWEEPER, which happens to be one of my favorite ones, big up to 8bzag on that production. LINAGE, a track thats brings its storytelling technique in play, along with a dope beat by SL. And of course tracks with its own version of hard expirences and painting the mind on whut a struggle really is, on that track BE STRONG,which is another favorite of mine, also dope beat by Trauma King. Anyway, to many of ya'll exploring on whut hiphop music is really based on, don't subdue to buying crap that is as bitter as yearmonth made oatmeal and recycled garbage you find on TV. Expand ya horizon and go deep underground to expose a better truth and essence. I recommend this album most definetly to the heads. Peace to SL, Thrill, and HipHop on a sick release, peace and respect,1.
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Review of Repeat Offenders – By Example


A repeat offender is someone who is charged with the same crime more than once, but what about when the crime is being real.  In today’s hip hop game, it seems like it’s more of a crime for an MC to speak from the heart, than to rap about the crimes he committed.  By Example is earnest compilation of tracks inspired by real world experiences, lyrical dexterity and passion.  

The majority of mic time is held down by R O front man S.L. AKA super lyrical underground giant, or S.L.U.G.  Other production and vocals are provided by Thrillmatic and Hip Hop.  Early on, SL shows his unique style on “I Found Her” and “Smooth Talker” by making tracks inspired by love without one mention of skeeting, phat asses, or “tossin dollas.”  The lovely vocals of Miss Trulala accompany “Smooth Talker” and “The Meaning of Life.”  SL is at his best though when he is speaking on inspirational topics backed by authentic situations, or just destroying the facades that are prevalent in the game.  “Street Sweeper” is a direct showcase of raw talent and disgust for what’s going on in the game.  The true gem of this album can be found on “I Believe,” filled with poignant passionate rhymes that will definitely captivate the soul.

Versatility is also shown throughout this disk.  “Bounce To This” is a quick display of SL kicking it with a fast bounce flow.  Breaking it down with the ability to tell a story relating to what he envisions everyday, SL informs you to put your “Windows Down” and listen to the sound of the street.  “Jamaica Jawn” is a light hearted almost party type of good day track to break up the seriousness of other cuts.   

The main slight in this project is in the production, the majority of beats are average at best, but some are mediocre.  Sometimes it a piano that’s out of place (“Rain Trickles Down”), weird tracking of sounds (“Messages”), or just overall unimpressive phasing of tones (“This Life”).  SL is strong mc with a charismatic approach, who doesn’t stray too far away from his strong points.  Besides a few haphazard lines here and there, he is totally capable of being captain of his crew.  The moments when SL isn’t doing his thing on the mic can be skipped, but that’s far and few between.  

Repeat Offenders is hoping that with the release of By Example, they can show how it should be done, instead of just talking about it.  Using creativity and pride to craft a track instead of glorifying gun toting, womanizing, and drug dealing is clearly absent from the majority of artist nowadays, especially those hoping to move some units.  R.O. is here now, and as stated on “Building” featuring Jadox, they’re “coming thru your hood like tanks thru ice sculptures.”  You should definitely pick up By Example, and give it some rotations as an alternative to the inundation of bullshit that’s prevalent out there.  There’s no doubt, Repeat Offenders has done it again.
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I got the cd, It's the tightest , truest , most honest music I've heard in a long time... if you love hiphop this cd is a MUST have !!!
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