#ICYMIMonday: @PRhyme_Official Deluxe Version (@REALDJPREMIER & @Royceda59); A Niles P. Joint

The whole point of In Case You Missed It Monday (which is now known as #ICYMIMonday) is to explore albums that I either didn’t get to hear or heard but didn’t get to write about when they initially came out.  With that being said, I’m glad we got PRhyme Deluxe as it gives me a chance to right one of my wrongs since I’ve been with WTM.  I mean really, Royce Da 5’9” and DJ Premier form a group (PRhyme) and release an album and I don’t cover it immediately?  Adrian Younge is involved too?  What the hell was I thinking?  I’m ashamed of myself for letting it slip.  Fortunately a deluxe version gives me a reason to not only revisit it but also check out some

of the new tracks the duo cooked up for the occasion.  Being that there are a plethora of guests, it’s only right that I comb through it track by track.

PRhyme - It’s triple inception as the song title matches both the album and the group.  Royce, using a flow that alternates between hushed and blaring, talks about his recovery from alcoholism (which comes up a few times on the album) and warns against losing focus on your craft due to chasing women.  Good way to start.

Dat Sound Good (feat. Ab-Soul & Mac Miller) - The instrumental gives me a Cali vibe which makes sense with Soulo’s presence.  I’ve never been a Mac Miller fan and still aren’t but he doesn’t ruin the song.

U Looz - This is one of my favorite songs on the album despite being merely a minute and a half long.  Royce comes with his usual hard hitting bars and Preem is in his glory cutting and scratching.  Wish this was longer.

You Should Know (feat. Dwele) - This is possibly the best on the album.  The guitar is simple yet oh so relaxing.  Co-collaborator Adrian Younge’s fingerprints are omnipresent on this one.  Dwele gives just enough on the chorus in the midst of cut and scratched samples.  

Courtesy - Mary wrote about this video not too long ago.  The song still holds up and the organ is delightfully murderous.  

Wishin’ (feat. Common) - The beat is amongst the most intriguing as it starts slow, speeds up, then slows down again.  Common proves that he’s still the king of the Chi with his guest verse.

To Me, To You feat. Jay Electronica - This instrumental sounds like a comic book villain’s lair.  While he’s sharp on the entire album, Royce may be at his best lyrically here.  Jay Electronica makes an appearance that apparently wasn’t engineered as well (it sounds hollow) but is still strong as far as bars go.

Underground Kings (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Killer Mike) - This is actually the second time Royce rapped over a beat that used the Run DMC sample.  This time it’s more uptempo and he has assistance from Q, who has never sounded better and Killer Mike who strengthens his resumé as Atlanta’s finest.  

Microphone Preem feat. Slaughterhouse - You knew that Slaughterhouse would show up at some point and they make for a great posse cut over some sharp ass drums.  On the original version that came last year, this was the final track and worked great in that capacity.  All tracks after this one were made for the deluxe version this year.

Golden Era feat. Joey Bada$$ - It almost seems too perfect/tongue-in-cheek that Primo, Adrian, Royce and Joey would make a song called golden era.  As fate would have it, they do an excellent job making a new track that has old school aesthetics in both words and music.

Wishin’ II feat. Black Thought - It’s explained on the intro that Black Thought was supposed to be on the original version but dropped out after The Roots’ manager Richard Nichols died.  He makes up for lost time and beats the shit out of the beat, continuing an undefeated streak of slaying guest appearances.  

Highs and Lows feat. MF DOOM & Phonte - I covered this song when it came out last month.  It’s still a banger and more importantly fits into the grand scheme of this deluxe version.

Mode II feat. Logic - Both of these dudes truly go beast mode in a track that spans seven minutes of pure lyricism.  Royce never lets his foot off of the gas and Logic finally impresses me as he uses his own flow and holds his own.  This is a great way to end an album.

For years, Royce seemed like he was on the cusp of success and DJ Premier showed a knack for bringing the best out of emcees that might get overlooked otherwise.  It’s fitting that they found each other as Royce delivers on every ounce of his vast potential on every single track.  Preem gets the chance to lace the finest rappers from New York, Philly, DC, Atlanta, Cali, Chicago, NOLA, Jersey, & North Carolina with his world famous production acumen.  Having Adrian Younge assist with the beats makes the cipher complete.  This deluxe version doesn't feel like a money grab, instead functioning as an addendum to an already great work.  The new bonus tracks fit right in with the year-old ones in a harmonious way.  Christmas came early for the culture.  If you haven’t done so already, treat yourself to PRhyme Deluxe, whether it’s your first time or you're coming back around.

Listen: Highs And Lows - PRhyme (@Royceda59 & @REALDJPREMIER) feat. @MFDOOM & @phontigallo; A Niles P. Joint

  I always had mixed feelings on deluxe editions of albums.  Often they feel like money grabs, a way to throw a few loosies on an album in order to charge more.  However, there’s one coming that’ll almost certainly be worth every penny.  Royce Da 5’9” & DJ Premier came together last year to form PRhyme and released a critically acclaimed self titled debut album.  At a compact nine songs, whispers and rumblings of a deluxe version followed.  We have our first song from the deluxe version of PRhyme.  Highs & Lows proves that after a year, the duo’s quality control didn’t slack a minute.  As far as guests go…

MF DOOM took a break from his tropical lair hiatus to trade bars with Royce.  In the above video he promises a big 2016 and this may be the springboard.  Speaking of returns, Phonte switches from singing to rap mode and heats up the song’s 9th inning.  Being that Premier is legendary, he has the ability to not only make some of the hottest beats but also get a cavalcade of dope ass emcees to guest star.  This song is living proof.  Peep Highs & Lows after the break and look out for a review of PRhyme Deluxe coming soon after its December 11th release date.

Watch: Courtesy - @Royceda59 & @REALDJPREMIER as PRhyme

It's past ICYMI (InCaseYouMissedItMonday) but there's never a bad time for Royce da 5’9” and DJ Premier. 

Courtesy is thought to be one of the best tracks on PRhyme, the duo’s 2014 album. The old school sound is complemented with a video Royce and Premo in a low riding white Cadillac convertible, very nostalgic. The album included features with Common, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Electronica and many more. Royce, being known for his highly acclaimed lyricism, lets his followers know that there may be another one in the works. He tells us the next one is going to be “dark and fly.” With the legendary DJ Premier on the boards, you can't really lose.  While we wait in anticipation, (and you know WTM's got you on the coverage of the sequel,) let’s reminisce on why we loved PRhryme in the first place.

Review: Lucky 7 - Statik Selektah (@StatikSelekt); A Niles P. Joint

Statik Selektah has been putting in work for years whether you know it or not. He’s produced countless songs for a plethora of artists, DJ’d on eight radio stations, put out three EPs, 16 collaboration albums, and now is releasing his third and final (more on that later) studio album. Lucky 7. This is specifically his third album in three years, yet the Boston beatsmith hasn’t become the least bit stagnant or stale musically. This is remarkable because he doesn’t deviate too much from his signature production style and has many of the same familiar faces spit bars over his beats. Statik Selektah’s music still remains fresh in spite of his symphonic idiosyncrasies. On an album full of features it makes sense to go track by track, so get excited.

Intro (feat. Hannibal Buress) - Since the album is called Lucky 7, we have a monologue pondering what it means to be lucky by comedian Hannibal Buress. It instills the casino type of theme and adds levity to the proceedings.
The piano keys on here are perfect for a monologue.

Another Level (feat. Rapsody) - Rapsody is the Keith Thurman of the rap game: she’s an intelligent and exciting contender not only in her division but for the pound for pound crown. This triumphant beat is a perfect showcase for Rap’s lyrical acrobatics and punchlines. Take note of Statik’s use of horns, they’re a trademark that will return. Expect Rapsody to take home a few championship belts soon.

Beautiful Life (feat. Action Bronson & Joey Bada$$) - I spoke about this song here. It still holds up and will wind up being one of the best songs of the summer.  

Hood Boogers (feat. Your Old Droog & Chauncy Sherod) - The percussion on this track is wonderful and the bassline is underrated. Droog still warrants Nas comparisons but is starting to come into his own. Sherod brings the funk on his portion of the song.

The Locker Room (feat. Dave East) - Speaking of Nas, his latest signee to his Mass Appeal imprint Dave East shows his ever improving lyrical chops on this track.  He’s good enough to star on his own track after being relegated to posse cuts on the previous Statik album.

In The Wind (feat. Joey Bada$$, Big K.R.I.T., and Chauncy Sherod) - Joey and Sherod make their second appearance on the album while southern heir K.R.I.T. lends a hand. This song has a breezy vibe with positive & inspiring lyrics. The guitar riff is understated but still steals the show. It should also be noted that this entire beat was created in the lab with no sample.

Crystal Clear (feat. Royce Da 5’9”) - This may be my favorite beat on the album. It’s reminiscent of a 1940’s film noir soundtrack. Royce brings his usual bravado while opening up about his past struggles with alcoholism. His flow is essentially a crescendo and picks up as the song goes on.  Very impressive song overall.

How You Feel (feat. Mick Jenkins) - The combination of idyllic strings and keys is crisp like fresh linen. Mick Jenkins solidifies his spot as one of Chicago’s best and brightest in their alternative rap hemisphere. I wish this was longer but they get the job done here.

Murder Game (feat. Smiff N Wessun, Young M.A, & Buckshot) - As much as I love the Duck Down veterans, this song sticks out like a sore thumb and doesn’t fit with the rest of the album. Young M.A is from the new school of Chiraq style rap despite being from BK. It’s like the veterans altered their style to fit the new jack and it doesn’t fit the flow of the album. The trumpet is a nice touch to the only mediocre and cookie cutter beat on the album.  

Gentlemen (feat Illa Ghee, Sean Price, and Fame) - This track more than makes up for the last and has become one of my favorites.  The Brownsville rap veterans take turns dropping their trademark gritty bars over a minimalistic beat. No flash, just a grimy aura that is perfect for all involved.  

Bodega! (feat. Bodega Bamz) - I always was intrigued by the potential of Bodega Bamz but wished he would select better beats.  This is exactly the type of instrumental I had in mind.  The Tchaikovsky-like violins fit his expressive flow like a glove.  Here’s hoping he works with Statik Selektah a lot more in the future.

The Trophy Room (feat. Skyzoo, Ea$y Money, Domo Genesis, & Masspike Miles) - A posse cut featuring some of the most underrated in the game over a swanky beat is always welcome. It’s a chore to pick who got off the best, but if forced to choose I’d have to go with OFWGKTA alumnus Domo. Either way, it’s a quality song from top to bottom.

Sucker Free (feat. JFK) - I loved the first half of the track as JFK makes good use over a marvelous beat featuring the most graceful saxophone you ever heard.  Then the beat switches to a bass-heavy tale about going to the can.  It’s humorous but gross, works as an interlude I guess.

Wallflowers (feat. Your Old Droog, Termanology, & Lord Sear) - Droog continues to come out of his shell and bodies this track.  Any comparisons (referenced on here) will soon go away as people appreciate Droog for Droog. Don’t sleep on Termanology either.

Top Tier (feat. Sean Price, Bun B, & Styles P) - The opening of this song sounds like a retro video game soundtrack, which is appropriate enough because this feels like the ultimate boss battle. Statik has the ability to seamlessly integrate two NYC legends with the de facto mayor of Houston and make it work, even without a hook. This is a timeless track.

Silver Lining (feat. A$AP Twelvyy, Kirk Knight, and Chauncy Sherod) - I’ve admittedly never been a fan of A$AP anything but Twelvyy isn’t bad at all on here. Kirk Knight is going to blow soon, as he’s the latest in a line of young emcees/producers to rise up. The song feels like something that would play during the climax of a great movie.

Cold (feat. Wais P & Jared Evan) - The thing is this song gives the exact same vibe as the previous one. It’s not a bad song, but it just sounds almost identical to the last one. If you played this album in the car as background music you wouldn’t notice the song changed. I prefer the former, but it’s a coin flip since they’re so similar.

All You Need (feat. Action Bronson, Ab-Soul, and Elle Varner) - Bronsolino and Soulo speak on the intricacies of love on a track that’s light enough to give AM radio vibes without being lame at all.  Bronson talks about settling down while Ab-Soul talks about letting go. Elle Varner lends her hazy vocals, which put the finishing touches on this easygoing song.

Scratch Off (feat. CJ Fly, Talib Kweli, & Cane) - This song wonderfully builds on the underlying luck/gambling theme of the album. CJ Fly continues his upward trajectory and even shows his crooning abilities on the hook. Kweli is still one of the game’s most consistent emcees. Cane more than holds his own despite being not as well known as the Brooklyn upstart and OG.  

Alone (feat. Joey Bada$$) - Statik Selektah is great at getting the best out of mostly everyone he works with. This is the case here as Joey finds a laser-sharp focus in his own solitude. He’s at his best when he’s contemplative and deep. The drums on here are magnificent while being nuanced.  

Harley’s Blues - This is an instrumental track named for Statik’s upcoming daughter. It flows nicely from the previous song. The saxophone solo towards the end is one of the best things I’ve heard all year.  

As I alluded to before, this is Statik Selektah’s final solo/compilation album. Seeing as Lucky 7 is his third album in as many years and was created in less than two months, it’s safe to say that he’s mastered this format. Aside from the one song I wasn’t a fan of and the odd sequencing of two songs (both minor qualms,) this album is damn near perfect. There’s something here for everyone. Additionally, Statik Selektah has established himself as arguably the best producer in hip hop. It threw a wrench into the Joey/Kendrick/Bronson stranglehold on the Album of the Year debate because it’s that excellent. Since it’s his last album I’m surprised a couple of the regulars didn’t make it (Freddie Gibbs, Nore, and especially Black Thought) but for an album that came together in less than a couple of months there’s still an incredible and diverse abundance of talent. I have a hard time picking a handful of favorite songs because they're almost uniformly excellent. This was the album I anticipated more than any other all year and Lucky 7 did not disappoint.  Lucky 7 by Statik Selektah is available on iTunes but after the break.

Rating: 4.85 out of 5.