From its inception, Hip Hop was created as a way to provide a voice for the disenfranchised and underprivileged. The genre eschewed materialism, in favor of clever wordplay & lyrical content about social and political issues. More importantly, the artists involved, offered a fresh alternative to the overly sweet and cloying sounds of their Rock and R & B counterparts. Of course, things have changed DRAMATICALLY throughout the years. Hip Hop is now guilty of the unimaginative musings and gimmickry it used to mock. Fortunately, the brother duo of Nawledge 405 and Solomis, known collectively as 832, take the music back to basics with their new album, “The Rap-ture.”
“The Prayer” sets off the proceedings with a Greek chorus of female singers nervously crooning The Supremes “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” while a powerful thunderstorm rages in the background. One gets the sense that a beast(or in this case, THE Beast)is lurking around the corner, ready to attack. That feeling is amplified by menacing horns and what can only be described as the March of Armageddon, with 832 warning us that “nothing is the same” and the “devil is around,” as they experience the world that they once knew collapse around them. The group survive the wreckage, saving their souls to reemerge with “Under The Ground,” a loopy, exotic production that allows the brothers to exhibit their deep, commanding bass vs. high, neurotic vocal interplay that keep the listeners tuned in to every word. Once 832 is resurrected into the new world, various news outlets announce that “…hope is on the way,” as the track’s veil of darkness is lifted to reveal the guiding light emanating from this incredible group. “Any Way You Can” begins with beautiful yet haunting, vocal harmonies before 832 break through with lyrics informing the fans that despite their frustrations about the world…they will TRIUMPH. The production is immaculate! When the track fades out, our heroes encounter a little girl, who is actually a demon in disguise. She(IT) then presents the disheartening news, that in order to defeat The Beast, they must become evil first…The battle has just begun.
“Ghost in the Darkness” allows the brothers a chance to reflect on the traumatic moments in their lives over a moody groove. “Burn” featuring JuJu, ups the ante on the “new world order” canvass 832 carefully constructs with each successive track. The music video finds them looking confused and out of place in an eerie forest where dark forces have labeled them as “Missing” to the eyes & ears of the public. The track itself, involves a powerful dialogue with the devil as Juju masterfully lends support with a soulful chorus. “Sick the Dogs on ’em” takes direct aim at satan(literally!)by playing off of Boogie Down Production’s “9mm Goes Bang” chorus, while “War”(featuring Juju) advances the group to the next level of their struggle as Nawledge 405 & Solomis must question whether to pull the trigger on a new enemy…Aphrodite!
“Aphrodite”(Extended Version) feat. Dawun J, details the doomed result of 832’s inability to vanquish the seductress, as the group realize they have battled this enemy in many different forms throughout their lives. “Babylon Kids” feat. Aisha Eustache focuses on crime and violence the unit witnessed growing up in the gritty streets of Oklahoma City. “Ragtime” displays the crew “transforming” into animated, freestyle rhyme spitters who are at the forefront of a social & spiritual revolution. “Psycho Woman” is a callback to “Aphrodite,” minus the alluring majesty that the deity was said to possess. The female that 832 chronicles in THIS story is clearly and vehemently hell-bent on destruction. She must be stopped by any means necessary! A bullet swiftly puts an end to her miserable existence.
“The Showdown” represents the ultimate face off between 832 and satan. Angels from the heavens descend to assist the group in battle. Armed with an array of musical weaponry, 832 successfully sends all demons back to hell! “Victory” finds the brothers celebrating their triumph over the forces of evil while “The World is Y(ours)” wins for its jazzy instrumentation and uplifting vibe. “The Crown” feat. Wilson the IV, highlights the duo as they contemplate life from a throne that begs to be filled from a position of love and positivity. “Skyline” feat. Tone P, rounds out the entire project with uptempo production as the leaders of the new reality look skyward for future hope and inspiration.
“The Rap-ture” is an enticing and impressive album from the creative siblings. The lyrics are insightful and the production is top notch. Now that the forces of darkness have been defeated, 832 can enjoy the paradise they fought so hard to create. But to paraphrase the group’s final words – “If evil ever decides to return…They’ll be ready!”
– Kevin Keith
