By Diamante R

Although the ongoing battle with their record label “Polo Ground Records” continues, the Hip-Hop/Reggaeton duo is back with their new EP, “The Other Side,” their first released project since their 2004 debut, featuring eight tracks, including a remix of “You Ain’t Got It” by Melo-X.

The title track has a strong techno presence with an R&B touch. The background echoes, along with the constant repeating of words and sentences are something like Rihanna meets Lady Gaga. “You Aint Got It” has a more pop feel although the electronic background is still present.

“To Long To Let Go,” the third track , is a fast-paced love song, again with a repetitive backdrop, this time with the phrase, “lately you’ve been fuckin’ up.” The beat on this one really bangs and works well with the repetition.

“Partying With Beautiful People,” as the title suggests, is purely a party song, from the lowkey snaps in the background to the echo in the beat. Again the repeat comes and in the end it’s the only thing you remember once the song goes off. It isn’t lyric or word heavy, by any means and the electronic thump is built strictly for the dance floor. “Only You” features Kidz N the Hall rapper Naledge, who comes in on the beat perfectly and fades away just the same, unlike a lot of other HipHop/ Pop collaborations that usually sound rushed. Naledge feels perfectly at home on this track which makes for a more organic feel.

The closing tracks on The Other Side includes a 0:58 second song labeled “Never Look Back”, which consists of rapping with added whispers and echoes “Love Song,” a series of phrases sung in a pattern over a very melancholic beat, a remix of “You Ain’t Got It” featuring rapper Melo-X. Melo ripped it, with his fast lines and much like the Naledge feature is a seamless Hip-Pop fusion.

Overall, The Other Side is worth listening to, if you’re into more Rock and Pop with a Hip-Hop edge. While the repeat pattern shows up a few too many times, the production itself runs a wide range of sound.  The Other Side fits right between Gaga and Rihanna in your collection in a Pop-hungry, non offensive, easily digestible party music.

3.25 out of 5

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