By Odeisel

The Manhattan Project was the codename for the series of experiments leading up to the development of the atomic bomb. Chicago group The Paxtons (rappers Chris and Dave)have also been incubating, working on their chance to blow. Their latest effort, The Manhattan Project is a credible leap forward in their experiment. While some parts are inert, others are combustible and pack quite the punch.

Lyrically and delivery wise, the duo have a multitude of flows, appearing most comfortable at the higher end of the sped spectrum and they have tight punch lines are not dependent on the two line set-up structure that hamstrings many of the rappers from their generation. Vocally they are solid as well with voices that are assertive and don’t often get drowned out by their production, which is varied if uneven. Content-wise they address the social issues of their native Chicago while still enjoying the spoils of blunts and bitches as most young rappers are enamored with these days.

That social aspect is evident on the very dope “What We Doin’ (Ballin) and “Caesar” where they note the wrongs of the political system, the gang problem, the school system, and disjunctive social values as primary causes of the ills in Chicago’s streets. “Nevermind the war and the inflated oil when the Black vite split on gay marriage and abortion,” rhymes Dave while Chris adds, “Black folks split on saying n***a in recordings, had to be a n***a with a perm on the pulpit.” Their rapid fire flows make you pause more than once to catch the lines.

“Super Stupid” finds the duo getting busy on a slow knocking beat that’s a bit primitive, but suitable. There is a running allegory to football, video games and porn that is creative and effective lyrically. “Hood Pass” is another retro production piece, with West Coast flavored bounce powering weed and Henny rhymes. The synth driven “Beamin” with a John Legend-like performance from Ben Wao is emotional high on the album. The song is uneven however, as the synths of the main body detract from Wao’s vocals. If they remix the song, they would do well to hone in on Wao’s part and the mood it conveys.

Among the negatives of The Manhattan Project is the the slow and off –balanced “Foreplay.” In addition, the dope flows and performances on “Bang With Us” are diluted by under mixed production which should have had the beat higher on the finished product, particularly the guitar and the rolling organ. That is where the album mainly falters. The ideas and the lyricism are in a few places derailed by incomplete or substandard production where extra instruments muddle up the rhythm, while in other places the lack of an instrument, or parts that should be honed in on but are lumped together in place hold back the full sound.

There is promise on The Manhattan Project. What you have are a couple of talented rappers who are still finding their way musically and have built on what has already been discovered. Think Mobb Deep’s first album before The Infamous. A watchful eye or some well-placed tutelage could get them over the hump to something truly atomic.

The Paxtons-What We Doin’ (Ballin)

What We Doin’ (Ballin)

out of 5

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