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Four years since their last release, Smif-n-Wessun return with a suitably titled fourteen-song offering of Bucktown brilliance. Boasting exclusive production and expert turntablism from the Chocolate Boy Wonder, Monumental makes its moniker proud every step of the way. The unlikely trio prepared an audible meal that should have the hungry going back for second and third helpings.

This album starts off strong with title track, “Monumental”; Pete Rock refreshing our memories that the gems he drops are verbal as well. Tek and Steele deliver as expected; hardcore, though contemplative raps on street savvy subjects. There’s no denying the skills are still sharp as they maintain the unfaltering pace Pete Rock sets on the soundtrack.

Steady intensity considered; there are plenty of peaks in the voyage. “Top of the World” featuring Memphis Bleek is one of these, with a victorious energy that’s infectious. Shortly past mid-album lives a downright danceable “Do It” featuring the obscure Hurricane G, who comes off to sounds reminiscent of the break beat years.

Veterans in hip-hop, the triad could have easily carried this project on their own shoulders. But there are only three tracks; “Fire”, “Go Off”, and “Time To Say”, without features. Still, they invited heavyweights like Bun B, Raekwon, Freeway and Black Rob to the assist roster, who each contribute something unique and harmonious.

Also memorable is “That’s Hard” appropriately featuring fellow Duck Down kin Sean Price and Yonkers’ own Styles-P. “Night Time” featuring Buckshot; on which Pete Rock once again blesses the microphone, is perfect for cruising the streets after dark. Tracks like “This One” and “Feel Me” with Top Dog and Rock of Heltah Skeltah respectively, may just prompt you to pull out your old Boot Camp Clik albums and keep the vibe going.

Monumental doesn’t play like a Smif n Wessun album with Pete Rock beats, or a Pete Rock album with Smif n Wessun kicking rhymes. The Soul Brother Number One pulled from various genres to stage an exhilarating ride from Mount Vernon to Brooklyn. Each brings an upgraded, branded contribution to the table to form a new entity; still rugged, but older, wiser and crisper.

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0 Responses to "Pete Rock + Smif-N-Wessun – "Monumental" – @@@@1/2 (Review)"
  • DurbSuperb says:

    This album is o-fish! My favorite dynamic duo, ever! Love that, as a old head, one of my favorite hip hop artists ever still keep it solid! Duckdown for life!

  • Huey says:

    LOL khordkutta, I think that’s a cool idea… I WILL act like it never happened…

  • yungplex says:

    Duck Down staff does it again.

  • sTeeZo says:

    @P.B.

    After Playing this album I went through my collection and played Mecca and the Soul brother and Dah Shinin back to back. Those albums brought back good memories of me, my boom box and my back pack full of tapes.

    I mostly bumped the first Cypress Hill, the first Lords of The Underground and the two aforementioned LP’s. I played them joints till they were warped to fucking death and my ass was back at the specs music store ta reload.

    Both Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun have a special place in my heart when it comes to my love for Hip Hop. I just wish this LP would of come to fruition 10 years ago.

  • Ruben A says:

    I’m a big Pete Rock fan and enjoy Smif N Wessun’s music but this album should not have got a @@@@ 1/2 rating. @@@ 1/2 or @@@@. who ever is rating these albums needs to get their head out their ass and listen to these albums better

  • Comments

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    Huey

    July 1st, 2011 at 6:09 pm