This is not a ghetto version of the Brady Bunch people; but you will still need to tuck your chains, hide the children, and play your position. Cleveland Ohio IS the next spot for the best young taleted MCs in the USA...hands down. I don't care who you know from the south or the east or the west there is no region right now that compares to the Cleveland area, Ohio and really the whole mid-west. They have the talented DJs and the MCs and the drive to make their city the next hip hop hot spot.
"Neighborhoods" got that knock man. Jab hits the booth hard with punchlines that weigh a ton. I'm fucking with this hook too. It wouldn't be a mixtape with out some mixtap flips on here. "Diamonds" is not may favorite beat but they pulled it off and added their own lil flavor to the track. Referee was shinning on this one..."my pockets so fat that my jeans got stretch marks." Bino got a uniqe flow. "Ol Thug Rhythm" grew on me, shit was simple but that hook just draws you in real catchy. As far as the mixtape flips go, "Comin Down" was the shit. Bino and Referee owned this beat and made it some new shit. The Blackheads laced the beat for "Cash", shit just sounds thick to me, bass drippin' and shit. Devious can rhyme but his voice sounds mad generic to me for some reason. "Imagination Pleasure" switched up the pace and he went in concept wise but his voice didn't stand out enough to me. "Simply Beautiful" was a better sound for him. The joint I had on rewind tho was "Yes, Indeed". Referee and Bino worked well on this joint together. I think they could have traded bars back and forth even but the hook by itself is potent as hell.
I got two words after listening to this project; crazy potential. The group dynamic def works for them, the chemistry is there and everyone holds their own in the booth. I liked the balance on this project too, cats showed some versatility and showcased their talents...mission accomplished. There's always work to be done tho, perfection of the craft is a never ending struggle and The Hoodlum Bunch are aleady heading in the right direction. (12/12/07)
