The Official- S/T (Self Titled)
These days there are so many Hip Hop acts out there, that it’s hard to keep up with what’s dope and it’s even harder to keep track of all the underground artists these days. You also have to contend with the different genres as well. Many times I come across artists that try too hard to be different or hardcore; pretty much something their not. Instead of being who they really are, they try to create this false image of themselves. But every once in awhile I run into artists that seem to understand the formula. They don’t try to do too much and let their talent do the dictating rather than rely on some gimmick. This is where The Official come in, a 5 man wrecking crew. They like to battle, party and battle more. They’re not too technical or spit over your head rhymes. Their production is pretty much tight and basic.
We start things of with the introduction to the crew in “The Official” where all the emcees (EGOIDEAL, FRIZWILL, STR8A, SEAN D.O.E.G.H. AND STRATEGIST) get open and spit fire. This track not only impressed me but it hyped me up as to what the rest of the album would be like. Sean Doegh spits one of the illest lines like:
“I only watch videos on mute to see the girls
And not to hear you”.
This track is an anthem for the entire Official crew over a maelstrom of sick rhythms. And I can’t forget the stellar performance from K the I as well.
“Emergency” is one of those songs that when you first hear it, you say, What! Every verse provides an energetic and aggressive style that I haven’t heard since the mid to late 90’s. A tight haunting sample of a horn opens up “High Noon” where these emcees standoff against any body who gets in their path. The gunshots in the background along with their effortless flows allow everything to come together nicely. The track “Evolution” is another ear grabber. The prodding methodic beat is the perfect compliment to the supremely crafted rhymes.
Other notable tracks are “The Gate” where the beat progresses from an ill and complex drum, to a more restrained vibe, that leaves more room for the words to explode. They get a little contemplative with “Aviva” which touches on topics of sex, death and everyday struggle respectively. “Nightcrawlers” is another sick track with K the I setting things off wit a rapid barrage of acid laced razors. Over a hard drum “Nightcrawlers” has a dope almost stumbling feel to it.
“Grab Your Shanks” end this LP off nicely. Here incredible aptitude for beat creation meshes perfectly with the lyrical prowess of Strategist and K the I. Wait about a minute after the songs done and you get hit with a hidden gem in “The Official” remix.
A number of solid guest appearances add to the appeal of the LP and as the album progresses all the tracks seem to get doper by the minute. The collaborations with K the I, Brokenklutch, Rollin Bluntz and Digistance add a fresh and unique vibe to the album. It’s good to hear artists that are raw but can also speak on an intelligent level and still keep that vibe that has you nodding your head constantly. But that also means that we are not really given anything innovative and new. I feel that they are at their best when they kick battle rhymes or topics of contemplation rather that tracks about partying or women. I can definitely see them making a name for themselves. Very well written and well produced songs make this a must have. Support The Official by checking out their sites: http://www.myspace.com/theofficialmusic or www.theofficial.net
Thanks, CyPhEr777
