Headkrack is back, accompanied by The Are (K-Otix) and Arablack. The single is available on Itunes now.

LISTEN: Headkrack – “Lightning In A Bottle” (feat. Arablack; prod. The Are) (MP3)

The ARE’s solo project Hustlers Theme however makes you miss the sound of the group rocking together as a whole. Tracks with one or the other members of the group like “The Beatdown” featuring Mic just don’t seem able to hold your attention, and the chemistry between The ARE and his guest rappers just isn’t there. The lack of vibe is evident on the J. Sands collaboration track “The Exchange”. J-Sands voice just doesn’t seem to ride ARE’s beats the same way as it does a J. Rawls track.

However there is some nice moments on here as Count Bass-D’s appearance on the very well chopped, DJ Premier-esque track “Ransom Note”. But the good doesn’t make up for the repetitive instrumental tracks that take up 1/3 of this album. Tracks like “A Plan” and “The Dinner” make you wish he found someone to rhyme over the beats instead of leaving them as is.

The ARE’s solo debut comes across relatively well and should keep those looking to identify samples wanting to give it a couple listens. However overall the album just doesn’t reach the promise you know an artist with this much talent can deliver. Coming in at a little more than 37 minutes “Hustlers Theme” brings a short taste of what K-Otix can bring instrumentally, but lacks the punch you get when the trio together.