Rather see the above links in your inbox or feed reader?
Subscribe to our Links for hand-picked items from around the web
Dunn Rap Revival: Illa Ghee · by Sach O
Illa Ghee – Bullet and a Bracelet
Project Illa
Bullet and a Bracelet
Maintenance Man
You’d be forgiven for not noticing, given the fact that the rap media is busy analyzing lyrical slip-ups, album titles, up north trips, ever-changing release dates and fake retirements, but there are still artists around whose music stands on its own two without any media hype or publicity stunts. Good music might not get you a magazine feature or face time on BET but that doesn’t mean it’s not out there if you’re willing to dig a bit and take chances on some lesser known acts.
Combining Brooklyn swagger and Queens griminess, Mobb Deep affiliate Illa Ghee’s been putting it down on guest spots and mixtapes since the Hell on Earth days, but this is his first official full length and it’s one of the most appealing slices of hardcore rap in a minute. Mostly produced by the little known Team Demolition with assists from Digga, Havoc and Alchemist, Bullet and a Bracelet marries the murky darkness perfected on The Infamous to more aggressive post-millennial production without resorting to clichéd overly dramatic samples or a grating overabundance of high hats. Tracks like “Project Illa” and “Walk with a Shotgun’ recall the classic Mobb sound while “Maintenance Man” and “Bomb Diggy” update the steez without pandering to out of town styles. On the mic, Illa’s thuggery recalls Sean Price’s humorous side with a grimier edge and his off kilter phrasing can be surprisingly clever. While he never really deviates from threats and bragging, the formula’s executed with enough flair to make it worth while and it’s refreshing to hear someone who genuinely enjoys rapping for a change (no dark confessionals or fake hustling here). Throw in genuinely funny interludes and a couple of conceptual tracks and you’ve got the makings of an under-the-radar hit that’ll find get love from QB specialists but probably won’t make it to the shelves and folders of your average rap fan.
For a 20 song collection, the quality-control is remarkably on point. While no classics immediately stand out, there’s nothing skip worthy either and the whole thing plays effortlessly front-to-back. Do yourself a favor and pick it up next time you hit a store (ha!) for that Rocafella or Wu-Tang record. You won’t be disappointed.
Comments for "Dunn Rap Revival: Illa Ghee"
Wow, this is really good. I really like that song “More Sickah” that’s on his myspace. I was never really impressed with him on the old Mobb stuff. He reminds me a lot of (Blaq) Poet.
— David Oct 24, 10:39 PM
dude has sick beats and a sick flow
he sounds like nickatina if nickatina could rap
— tucan sam ain't nuthin ta f' wit Oct 25, 02:25 AM
I can’t think of a better recommandation than one coming from the Oh Word crew. Thanks, will definitely check it out.
— Perttu Oct 25, 04:44 AM
Team Demolition has been wrecking it on the DC underground scene since the EARLY 90s. much respect
— dj eurok Oct 26, 03:36 PM
General is the illest. As sach points out he got hell of a humor like Sean P. They remind me of eachother. Chech out “Illa Ghee TV” just google it.
On my youtube profile there is a track called “La la la” with Illa Ghee. It was on a mobb mixtape. check it out. Otherwise peep out closed session a mixtape with Prodigy.
— Rosales Dec 8, 08:20 AM