Hearing “That’s Hard” by Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun on the radio was a pivotal moment that told me legends still get a nod on the dial. The album, Monumental, is simply monumental. Fourteen blazes of rap submerged over the staple style Pete Rock emulates and the vision of Smif-N-Wessun, the Boot Camp Clik duo, Monumental capitalizes on the considerable underground gravitas that has shined the light on the brothers over the years.
The title track is street hop that reaches towards phenomenal status with dopeness, bang in the car worthy cred and ventilating heavyweight delivery from Tyler Woods and Pete Rock. Let it once again be noted, Monumental is monumental. The album features several guest appearances from the likes of Memphis Bleek, Heltah Skeltah, Bun B and Buckshot among many. While at first the over abundance of styles may seem overpowering, it is far from it.
Pete Rock uses his audio skills on “Top of the World,” a cut that many rappers should aim for in its appeal, sound and speech and on the beat switching “Prevail,” where Raekwon joins the mix master on the instrumental excursion. Monumental makes certain that for those who thought hip hop was dead, understand that it is very much persevering audibly.
Album Picks: “Monumental,” “Prevail,” & “Night Time”
Monumental receives a PARLÉ
Rating:
P…Horrible
PA…Tolerable
PAR…Good
PARL…Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic
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