classified, josh martinez, and now triforce omega. every time somebody gets in my car they're like "damn this is tight, who is it?" and lately my answer is always canadians.  every time this cd leaves my cd player it somehow finds its way back in.  GIMME HOT DOGS!!
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Triforce Omega calls Vancouver, BC home, and these guys are insane, but in a good way. When I popped in their CD and saw the CD was 65 minutes long, I braced myself. Without expectations, I hope for good and pressed play. What I got was something that would probably get them signed if they sent their CD to Rhymesayers, Alpha Pup, or even Glow In The Dark. Popsicle Pete, The 952, and DJ/producer D-Rec have the kind of chemistry that... there we go, chemistry. It seems every other group are getting together for their own individual recognition, and they lack the kind of chemistry that would make people want to buy their music. Popsicle Pete and The 952 aren't just about proving a point because they're white and want to prove themselves as rappers, they're beyond that. These are guys who are about dropping their own stories and experiences, and neither of them are trying to be Eminem Jr. or one of 2Pac's disciples.

What they are trying to do is contribute to the spectrum of the worldwide phenomenon known as hip-hop, and they do so with songs which range from the serious to the intense, and the occasional dumb ass rhymes. Dumb asses they're not, as they prove in "Hole In One" where they talk about wanting to perfect their craft and do so by reaching the goal of the golf metaphor. On that premise alone, this might be perceived as some lame ass middle-class bullshit, which some might view as being snobby, but that's far from it. The execution these guys have is very good, and it's nice to be able to concentrate on lines and sentences, be blown away by a lyric you think you heard, and have to go back a few seconds to hear it, the ol' "let me rewind that and hear it again" thing. Triforce Omega are like that, and while these guys are very serious in what they do, there is a fun spirit that is very nice to hear, one that doesn't weaken with subsequent listens. What I also liked is at the moment when things seem to be comfortable, the group take a swift turn and move into different territory, lyrically, verbally, or musically. That tactic is a secret a lot of non-hip-hop artists like to do, in order to keep the listener listening through the duration of the album. It works very well with them.

The production on the album is primarily done by D-Rec, and if people want to know about any hidden cannons that may be in Canada, I'd look out for this guy. Beats are in your face, samples are blatant, and more importantly they are pieced together with precision, no loose stools here. I probably would have toned it down on the instrumentals and just release a separate album for that, but exposure is exposure and I'm sure there will be groups that will be knocking on D-Rec's door to work with him.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Man, what can I say other than damn! This cd is pure fiyah! The beats are slammin, the raps are on point, and the scratches are immaculate. This cd hasnt left my player since I first copped it. These cats are definitely reppin' for Vancity. If you like dope Canadian hip-hop, or just dope hip-hop in general, I highly recommend you buy this cd now! Peace!
                            Read more...