Sound Review:: Deal The Villain—EPic

January 26.10 — Deal The Villain, Elite Assembly, house of jaz, NJ hip hop, rock the dub

Birds of A Feather
When the stars align, there’s nothing you can do but pay attention! I’ve referenced the musical genius and quality that is oozing from New Jersey since the House of Jaz popped up in blogland. One might even say that I am obsessed with New Jersey hip hop. Let me just make this clear: I’m obsessed with quality. I’m obsessed with execution. I’m obsessed with all things DOPE. I have much respect for people who not only respect their craft, but produce something worth paying attention to. It just so happens, that the underground artists that I’ve had the privilege of hearing in the last six months hail from hip hop’s birthstate’s neighbor (and yes, I believe that they all possess the qualities stated).  It’s no coincidence, however, that they are a part of a gestalt of emcees known as the Elite Assembly. Elite Assembly is a whole different post, and it consists of more than just Daniel Joseph and Brokn Englsh; but just know, they just might be the remedy.  I’d like to introduce the third emcee of my NJ Hip Hop Trilogy. For MONTHS, I have been sitting on my hands so that I wouldn’t write anything about what I feel is a nostalgic hip-hop renaissance that is Deal The Villain until his album, EPic had an official release date (Tuesday, February 02, 2010).

HEADS UP: This is EBM* (earbud material).

Back in the Day…
As someone who was born in the early 80s and grew up and became familiar with music in the 90s, I have to say that I for one have not been too hype nor impressed by what the mainstream music scene continues to present to us as their definition of HOT. What’s HOT has not always been the equivalent of quality. It’s been a formula, it’s a watered down remnant of what real music (especially hip hop) used to be. No disrespect to those who have been doing their thing; but a lot of emphasis has been on the facade and not the core.  I’m not saying that everyone needs to be into the same style of music;  I’m saying that I miss the days when you could hear diversity WITHIN a genre (especially hip hop). From Native Tongue to Gangsta Rap, party to political, there was a time when one would hear an eclectic array of styles from hip hop at one time. ::stepping down from soapbox::

::designed by Jazzo!::

Hustle and Flow
What I dig about this album, is that it tells a story from start to finish. The overall album is an autobiography of an instance of his life in New Jersey. The interludes seamlessly sew you into the next track, and immediately you become one with and identify with ‘The Villain. What you get when you hear this album is honesty without the hype of being “real”. You won’t hear references to ice unless it’s referring to a love turned cold in Fly Love. You won’t hear about run ins with the law unless you check the interludes (which are chuckle-worthy). Clever allusions to current events, spot-on movie references, and an understanding of how to implement the elements of hip hop make EPic an album to have for those who appreciate the artistry of flow. His flow is more intricate than the basic and classic bars of back in the day, but he has an understanding of the foundation and uses it to tell his story. If that isn’t enough; he also produced MOST of the tracks on this album. If you want to know the makings of a real artist, don’t give them top of the line; give them the basics and see what they produce.

A Day in the Life…

You Remind Me
For those who have a hard time just appreciating an artist without any familiar connections, you may notice that his sound is similar to a certain member of a certain clan, but please understand, he is very much his own. I look forward to seeing more of what New Jersey’s neighborhood villain has in store. You’ll most likely read about it here.

I don’t have any leaks for you from the album, but I DO have a few beats produced by the my multi-faceted friend. Check out DTV’s Beat LP here.

I’ve said enough. I’ll let you hear for yourself. My name is Jazzo, and I approve this message.

COP EPic NEXT TUESDAY (02.02.2010)!!!