Despite the Catch-22 artists face when having to decide whether to switch their formula or keep it familiar, most opt for the latter as it generally appeases longtime fans and guarantees trusted product. Boston-bred DJ/producer, Statik Selektah not only believes in this motto, he swears by it, as he puts his turntables and MPC to work for his 2nd onslaught of East Coastal verbiage, Stick 2 The Script. Crafting every beat himself, Statik makes good on his promise even when the end results are predictable.

If you’re experiencing déjà vu from the first album Spell My Name Right, it’s probably because a good chunk of the cast such as Joell Ortiz, Talib Kweli, Freeway, and Termanology reprise their roles for the sequel. But even though the script is routine, it doesn’t prevent acclaimed performances. The rugged melody of “All 2gether Now” is successful in reuniting a third of State Property as the Philly stars prove they still got it what it takes to be diamonds in the rough. Elsewhere, Statik channels the sounds of 9th Wonder rather effectively for Little Brother and Joe Scudda to stay true to self on the smooth “On The Marquee,” and Torae, Sha Stimuli, and Jon Hope demonstrate you don’t have to be a household name to flash skills on “Destined To Shine.”

The proverbial glue for S2TS comes courtesy of Selektah’s improved production skills however. While some of the collabos feel outdated (“For The City”,) or commonplace (“Take It All Back”,) the beats keep the album’s flow at a moderately enjoyable level. Biggest drawback is the redundant subject matter. Songs like the Cassidy, Saigon, Termanology-helmed title track continuously revisit the “Hip-Hop is dead” disposition instead of focusing on making timeless material. Save for the civilized ode to the fairer sex “Talkin’ Bout You (Ladies),” the bulk of the LP is guilty of headstrong Hip-Hop to the 2nd degree.

Even with the occasional threading of the lines of predictability, Statik Selektah still offers up another satisfactory release as he caters to those lacking a balanced East Coast diet. Although a few change-ups would have been welcomed, S2TS is proof keeping it real doesn’t always have to go wrong.

3.5 CIGARETTES

BONUS

Statik Selektah – Stick 2 The Script (Instrumentals)

Previously Posted – Notable Quotable – Joe Scudda From “On The Marquee” | “Talk To Me” – Review Of Statik Selektah’s Spell My Name Right