Hip Hop vet Termanology brings variety on “Set In Stone”
With a major catalog of projects under his belt, ST Da Squad’s Termanology returns with his latest project, “Set In Stone.” The 10 tracks are produced by Dame Grease, and showcases creative growth from the Lawrence, Mass emcee. Instead of a traditional cohesive album, there was a variety in regard to the topics and production that went into this effort. There were no restrictions here, just a lot more fluidity from Term, who’s certainly a veteran in the game. The features include Method Man, Bun B, Enisa, Vado, Novel, Wizz Dakota, Millyz, Sheek Louch, Wais P, Lil Fame, C Scharp and Ea$y Money.
The first and title track, “Set In Stone” is sophisticated in sound, while Term and Meth, diss nutty, wack rappers. “Heartbeat” has a beautiful, drum ridden soundscape, refreshing vocals by C Scharp, and is spoken from an introspective standpoint, as Term’s priorities have switched to making better life decisions, especially for his children. The subject matter on “Haunting Dreams” is chilling, but many can relate to seeing darkness in the form of nightmares, while trying to escape it. Hip Hop is a door that led to many overseas opportunities on “Travel The World”, which features Bun B and Enisa. There’s something for the ladies who love an R&B feel on “Written All Over Your Face,” with Vado and Novel on track.
“Cartier Lenses” featuring Wizz Dakota and Millyz is a joint that you can vibe to at a party for the grown and sexy. “You Wouldn’t Understand” will resonate with a lot of people who’ve struggled with alcohol addiction to cope with a lot of different emotions. “Black Mask” has Term, Sheek Louch, Wais P and Lil Fame spitting filthy, energy-driven verses, and I could see it being on the soundtrack of an urban heist movie. Term uses his musical platform to touch on a lot of the issues our society is currently and continuously dealing with on the politically driven “Let You Down”, featuring C Scharp. The message is to show love and appreciation while people are still around on “Give Them Flowers” featuring fellow ST member, Ea$y Money.
“Set In Stone” is a sharp contrast to a lot of Term’s previous work, as he’s the leader of a team that has a strong, hardcore lyrical foundation. Bars still matter, nonetheless, but this time around, the topics are more open, experimental, vulnerable and seasoned. Pulsating drums, horns, pianos, and cadence are prominent, courtesy of Dame Grease, who crafted some amazing backdrops. You can’t categorize this project as having a specific theme or concept, because there isn’t one. With this being Term’s 37th project, he took a completely different route, further pushing his boundaries as an artist.
You can listen to Set In Stone on all major platforms, as well as snagging physical copies in all formats. Trevor Lang has limited cassettes on deck, while you can order vinyl through Tuff Kong Records, along with CD’s from getondown.com. Visuals are out now for “Heartbeat” (below) to be followed by an upcoming video for “Travel The World.” -by Hipnotik1
