Termanology is one of the hardest workers in the game, who spends countless hours in the studio. It’s as if he lives there, with the number of projects and contributions he puts out consistently. He’s now released his 38th offering, “Vintage Horns.” There are 14 tracks with a spectacular lineup of producers and guest emcees. Grafh, Eto, Tek (of Smif-N-Wessun), UFO Fev, Wais P, Haile Supreme, 38 Spesh, Siimba Selassiie, Artisin, Ras Kass, Superstah Snuk, Fabeyon, Ea$y Money and Kota The Friend lend their talents. The production lineup includes Nef, Shortfyuz, Statik Selektah, Conductor Williams, God Bless Beatz, and Oh No.
Going into the top tracks, starting off with “Only a Matter of Time,” Term dives into his past, remembering the darkest things he witnessed growing up. He remains optimistic, moving forward, not letting those experiences defeat him. Term’s flow is calmer, over a subtle drum cadence on “Credit,” which features an artistically contrasting verse by Grafh.
One of my top joints is “Nobody,” featuring Eto and Tek. Each verse was rugged, and has a lot of replay value to it. I found myself running Eto’s verse back plenty of times. “Cooking Up” with UFO Fev has a more laid back vibe to it, from the soundscape, to the flow of Fev and T.
Wais P’s verse on “Signs” was ruthless! Haile’s voice on the hook is a contrast to Wais P and Term’s grimy delivery.
“I came home scarred I ain’t gon never be the same/Did time in the box for knockin out a little lame/he got a little outta his lane/called me a little outta my name, so I stomped a little outta his brain” -Wais P.
It’s all work and no play for Term and Artisin on “Work While They Sleep.” They get down to business, and they don’t play around. “F*ck Ya List” is self-explanatory, as T and Ras Kass share their thoughts over misconceptions of rap politics. Being on anyone’s list isn’t valid enough criteria on its own to determine what a true emcee is.
Term and Superstah Snuk kept it classic on the title track, “Vintage Horns.” I really liked the production here, and it truly had a vintage feel to it.
One of the most memorable verbal exchanges was on “Radio Killed.” Fabeyon went in, followed by Ea$y Money, who has a strong battle rap background that reflects in his bars.
Upon hearing the first few tracks, the vintage horns theme is prominent. When Term enlists artists to sing on hooks or choruses, the use of auto tune isn’t necessary; they’ll shine regardless. This project has a refined classiness to it in terms of the production qualities. Horns are blaring gloriously, and the musical themes are more sophisticated.
A limited run of CD’s is available by contacting Term directly, or his site, Termanologymusic.com. There is also a vinyl release through Air Vinyls via bandcamp. -Hipnotik1
