By Odeisel

Fans of 90’s Hip-Hop have been treated to an abundance of treats over the last couple years with some of the artists revisiting their greatest works with follow-up albums while others drop works infused with the spirit of that era. Smif N Wessun’s Da Shinin was the first shot of the Duck Down independent movement while Pete Rock carried an entire era with his horn-based classic production. The two forces join for Monumental, an album that doesn’t reach the height of their powers but has enough oomph and guest spots to rock.

There is a large roster of guests including label mates Sean Price, Buckshot, Rock and Black Rob as well as Hurricane G, Bun B, Raekwon, Freeway and some new comers. While the production deviates from the Brooklyn grit of Da Beatminerz, Pete Rock does a solid job giving Smif N Wessun a soundscape to express themselves and the guests add different elements that keep the album interesting while the BPMs stick to a certain range.

The duo goes for dolo on three of the 11 full length songs, the best of which is the string laden “Time To Say.” The track features scratched in echoes of 90s Hip-Hop and provides a strong emotional close to the album. “Go Off” find them giving a nod to the founders as well as the streets over a beat that feels like it’s building to crescendo but never  gets high enough in tenor for a payoff. The mic passing between Tek and Steele feels as natural as it always have and the K-CI vocal sample is a nice touch. They take a leap conceptually with “Fire” which chronicles the duo’s struggle between good and evil; think “Murder Was the Case” meets Bucktown.

The other eight tracks are as effective above ro below par as the guests that get busy on them. Black Rob shines on the brass-tinged “(I’m A) Stand Up Guy.” Pete Rock’s ad lips add garnish to a track laced with a mean bass line and a soft, sinister kick. Rob’s lines are precise and crisp with that East Side Harlem malice. Pete plays Puff like it’s “Whoa” time again. Hurricane G hops off the milk carton and adds that femme flavor on “Do It,” with reggae elements and break beat construction for the most upbeat tune on the album.

Sean Price and Styles P make an awesome foursome on “That’s Hard.” The chunky stringed formation and hard drum and stomped into wine by P. The Rockness Monster adds his two cents on “Feel Me,” which also features Bun B. the track meanders slowly for where it’s placed on the album but Rock’s gruff delivery turns the hook into something frown inducing and his verse is pure BK hardcore.

Label head Buckshot and Pete Rock himself hop on “Nighttime.” Tek adopts a Pac like rhythm to his cadence that sounds tough over the smooth production.  Buckshot stars on this with grizzled veteran status. The song is delivered in narrative format with each member dropping tales from the hood. Even Pete’s awkward delivery feels right at home.  Raekwon’s appearance on “Prevail” is his standard verse. Nothing special but generally unimpeachable.

Monumental is a strong piece of 90’s Hip-Hop retrofitted for today’s mp3players. There isn’t a dated sounding performance on the album, despite the long-in-the-tooth career staged of all involved. If there is a fault, it’s there the beats per minute don’t vary much and there isn’t much variation on rhyme styles on the album. Another solid entry in the books but nothing monumental is accomplished.

3.75 out of 5

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