By Odeisel

24 Hour Karate School was shrouded in mystery and delayed more times than there are mutant ninja turtles. When it dropped, it ran sans a few expected highlights but nevertheless packed heaping Hasaaan chop of Hip-Hop flavor. The follow-up, 24 Hour Karate School 2 is more grounded, with a noticeable drop-off in star power (No Curren$y? No J Electronica? No Mos Def?).

Absent were the long delays and present is a crew of up-an-coming rappers who have enough flavor and funk to keep the dojo open. Opening track “Metabolic” is a high-energy, rock-infused banger helmed by a rapid-fire Locksmith. It’s typical rap fare bolstered by a scintillating beat and Lock’s hyper delivery. The off-kilter “Moon Walking” features an annoying tick that runs throughout the song as rapper STS attempts an extraterrestrial flow but only does enough enough not to make you turn the track off after 8 bars.

The highlights of the disk include the L.E.P. Bogus Boys track, “Looking For Me” which features grand production and the duo’s Chicago-bred tough talk. Also numbered among the highs is the electric guitar-powered “Larry Bird.” Stalley draws the allegory between his skill on the mic to the sublime French Lick Hick in his prime. It’s one verse and done but effective. Freddie Gibbs detonates “Illegal” with rapid fire rhymes that speak to class,  and the political/economic/societal issues that effect the hood.

Atl’s Stat Quo delivers on the slow_roasting “Amnesia,” letting his newfound wealth wash the memory of struggle away. He could use a shot of charisma but his bars are tight. He shows up on album closer “You Already Know,” another unremarkable slow flow record full of solid rapping. DC’s Tabi Bonney shines with style and presence on standout track “Frontin!” flaunting a slick, staggered flow over the most unique Ski Beat on the album.

Rapper Cassidy disappoints on the very linear and unimaginative “Majesty” with two line construction and very little energy.

24 Hour Karate School 2 doesn’t have anything that sucks but there is nothing on here that’s great. The lack of firepower is glaring because many of the beats are the same speed and the rappers here don’t have the panache to overcome that. It’s a solid listen, but ultimately unspectacular.
  3.25 Out of 5

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