Architect’s one of hip-hop’s hidden production talents – he’s had his chances to shine with Encore and Grand The Visitor but it’s good to see him getting more work and potential exposure. This new 12″, featuring Encore’s crew (including Grand, Persevere, Turbin, Dave Dub and Halekast) is a strong posse effort (but I need a score card to figure out who’s who). Architect’s jazz guitar slips underneath with the slickness, warm like summer mornings. Heat Wave continues in the same vein, this time with a mix of singed strings and a touch of Rhodes and flute. Halekost holds it down solo but compared to the other members of the EXL, I’m not feeling him quite as much – his flow still feels too green for prime time but I liked his metaphoric choices, especially when he breaks out in basketball references on the last verses. – O-Dub

I’m a huge fan of Encore’s Self Preservation LP; I think the chemistry between ‘Core and Architect is brilliance that rivals Guru and DJ Premier (dare I say it). I’m not sure how much I’m feeling the Exec Lounge project thus far though, “Big Tyme” kinda gets that mellow vibe last found on Encore’s “Livewire” b-side, but there are so many emcees on this track that it’s hard to stay focused. The production on “Heat Wave” also seemed uncharacteristically sloppy, but at the same time, it may take a full listen to the whole LP for me to really latch on to the EXL. Once I heard Self Preservation in full, I was immediately a ‘Core fan (pun intended, apologies.) – Pizzo