Review: Beatmonstas – Bomb Till We Hit Em

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Bomb Til We Hit Em

Beatmonstas

09/29/2009

Beatmonstas Entertainment

/ 20.00 [?]

Published by Tyler Hakes on September 22, 2009 at 9:34 am

Chicago-based Beatmonstas present Bomb Till We Hit Em, an album composed largely of Bush-era frustration and socio-political commentary over true-to-roots classic hip-hop beats.

The lyrical content of Bomb Till is diverse, covering subjects from racial and social injustice to the timeless “girl-sees-guy-sees-girl” storyline. Bringing insistent and in-depth lyrical analysis and storytelling, the four MC’s take turns tackling some of today’s most prominent and reoccurring social ills. When their own lyrics seem to fall short, the production steps forth, blasting a politically-charged sample such as reference to Willie Lynch’s infamous speech that revealed the “secret” of successfully controlling slaves in the 1712. (“It’s almost 2012 and Willie Lynch is still in business”).

The production is a caveat of its own, done mostly by Noble Dru and Phashara with two guest tracks from Dig Dug (“Bomb Till We Hit Em”) and Mistaloo Mef. Some interesting, unconventional production elements, such as out-of-tune piano work (“Peoples Champion”), give a few of the tracks a unique feel that peaks the listeners interest in the beginning. However, like a less-than-melodic hook, these elements just become and oddity by the end of the track and sound unmusical and distracting. While I appreciate the experimentation, I think ultimately the album suffers overall as a result and could have sounded more polished without the dabbles in unconventional.On the majority of the tracks the beats are on point though, clean samples with boom-bap classical drums. Great use of brass (“Easier Said Than Done”) and hits (“Beats-N-Rhymes”) are some of the musical highlights.

As an overall album, I think it works, although some of the effect is lost in the above-noted quirks and the timing of the album release (post-Bush, now-Obama). It’s harder to draw clear and cohesive connections between social injustice and governmental-misdeeds in this new time period; that isn’t to say that the album is not thought-provoking. It absolutely is, and the visual lyricism and crisp delivery go miles in stirring up reflections of society.

Some factors bring the album away from the level it could be, but Bomb Till We Hit Em still manages to bring back memories of past and present injustice and inspires a brighter future. Noble Dru, Therapy, Diamond Back and Phashara will release Bomb Till on September 29 as a digital release available through various online outlets.

My Picks:

“Beats-N-Rhymes”

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“Rippin to the Last Bar” (Ft. Prince Po)

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