{mosimage} Can the duo rep Duck Down records and the Boot Camp right or fall by the wayside while Sean P grabs the light? Peep Game!
"You Can't be a Champ if you aint willing to fight"
These words ring loud and true, and should be a motto for anyone trying to accomplish anything. On their newest LP since 2005's "Reloaded", BCC and Underground veterans Smif N Wessun are back with "Smif N Wessun- The Album" to show that the fight is still in them, and why they and the Boot Camp remain relevant all these years later. Age doesn't dull skill, as the twosome rip the "See The Light", professing their passion for life, and the art that they take pride in. Its refreshing to see this type of hunger in these times of carelessness for the music.
One thing that the listener will notice about the progression of this disc is the cohesiveness of the mood, and the songs themselves. From the aforementioned See the Light to "Trouble", there is a comfortable transition from track to track, alluding to the thought that went into the album construction, and song placement. (Little seen things these days)
"Kim 2000" is an uplifting tale of moving forward no matter what, with Smif and Wess trading verses over crisp claps, and a dark melody. They paint a vivid picture of those making do in the ghetto, with a somber but catchy chorus- "I do the best with the worst I got- some just wanna see you fail.. so I'm just keepin it movin". Truer words have never been spoken.
The Rock(of Heltah Skeltah) and Joell Ortiz featured "Stomp Thru" is the definition of a gritty NYC street banger. Good old boom bap snares, and hard hitting rhymes from all make this an instant run-back. Rock's presence on the track is gripping, with his trademark gruffness, adding to the overall feel. Joell Ortiz burns the track ridiculous , spitting "Ya'll gonna jump me again, lets do it BITCH, the ONLY thing runnin is my nose when I'm getting sick!"
"Yeah" threatens to throw off the vibe of the CD at first, but its eerily intrugueing melody lures you in and keeps you, as Wess and Smif trade bars over the bouncy drums. Wess hits the track with Venom, quipping "Amateurs, perhaps you lack stamina, challenge you rap characters, cannon without the camera".
The CD is not without fault though, as not even the duo's rhymes can save the bad production that is "Can't Feel My Face". Surrounded by so many superior tracks, this feels like a B-side that didn't need to be included on such a solid release. The chorus doesn't help either.
The proceedings pick up again with "Still Here", a track that makes any missteps on the album seem trivial. I had to replay it twice to fully grasp what I heard, as the production is that excellent. As always, the two lace the track with dope rhymes, ending what was an enjoyable ride through their state of mind.
In the end, Smif N Wessun provide more heat for the BCC faithful, and do even more to cement their validity as Legends in the game.
