Words by Jesse H.

Phife and Q-Tip had it. Big Boi and André 3000 have (had?) it as well. “It” in this case is chemistry, and it’s something that Clifford Smith and Reggie Noble have in excess. The two emcees, better known as Method Man and Redman, already have an established and impressive resume when they work together, a resume that includes a sitcom, a film and 1999’s Blackout!, an album that’s hailed by many as an underground class- well, you know the word.

That said, it’s been 10 years, an eon in the rap world, since the blunt brothers teamed up for the original, and now, they’ve finally returned with their follow up effort: Blackout! 2. Saying Hip-Hop has changed a considerable amount in the past decade is akin to McDonald’s® placing “caution: Hot!” labels on their coffee cups. So can the grizzly vets update their sound appropriately?

First and foremost, devoted fans of the original and its kooky, cultish legacy can breathe easy: Blackout 2! is an excellent record that immediately sounds familiar while also boasting a contemporized, updated style. A difficult feat performed with what seems like relative ease by the Funk Doc and the Ticallion Stallion.

The two sound truly re-energized on the mic- dropping well-executed punchlines and vicious verses on a consistent basis throughout the album. Method Man offers a clever imperative on the rumbling, Havoc-produced “I’m Dope Nigga” telling listeners to “put your nose in my notebook and go’on sniff you a line.” Elsewhere, Redman jovially lets loose with his distinct animated style over the digital shuffle of “How Bout Dat.” The album is lightly peppered with a short list of appropriately timed guest features which include a nifty double-time flow by Bun B on “City Lights” and an incendiary, go-for-broke appearance by Ghostface Killah on “Four Minutes to Lock Down,” which leaves the song’s blooping sample and brash horns sounding sufficiently wrecked.

Most importantly, the album reestablishes an important factor that was evident on the first Blackout!: that the duo brings out the best in each-other by working as a team, despite each having considerable talent and success as solo artists. Add to the fact their tandem has shown almost no signs of weakening after a decade between albums, the total package is nothing short of remarkable.

However, while the album is a success, it’s not without it’s faults. None of the album’s 17 tracks are subpar by any standards, but the album lacks some of its predecessor’s punch by not containing a surefire Hip Hop classic (i.e: “Da Rockwilder” or “How High (Remix)”). Add that to a slightly sloppy, anti-climactic finish, and Blackout 2! falls just short of nabbing an extra half-Cig.

Nitpicking aside, East coast purists, weed smokers and longtime listeners have a lot to be happy about. Not only is the music on Blackout 2! impressive, but the timing of the album’s release works very well, too, as the jubilant, fat horn loop of “A-Yo” and the tribal chant and howl of “Hey Zulu” beg to be bumped at BBQ’s and beach parties for summers to come. Bottom line, Blackout! 2 earns its exclamation point as a righteous Hip-Hop staple that casts a long shadow over the competition.

4 CIGARETTES

Previously Posted — TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Method Man & Redman | Method Man & Redman Feat. Saukrates – “A-Yo” Video | On The Set: Redman & Method Man’s “A-Yo” Video Shoot