By Odeisel
There has never been a more perfect synergy between DJ and MC than Gangstaar. Their library of classic material combined with Guru’s death regularly inspire duo’s to try to replicate that magic. 1982, comprised of Statik Selektah and Termanology, both possessed of Massachusetts roots, fashion themselves as the second coming. Unfortunately, their latest album, 2012 falls far short of having mass appeal.
Termanology tries his best as an emcee and Statik Selektah crafts beats that are not earth-shaking but serviceable. Combined, they bring nothing new to the table and Term’s boasts of being top 10 and one of the best wear thin after a while. But there are songs on the record, particualrly “Hard To Forget,” that bring an emotional level that Term was preivously unable to reach, so there is evidence of personal growth.
A Dick Cavet interlude and a Primo-styled scratch vocal sample medley intros the title track. The celebratory horns and Term’s proclamations of being Ghandi and having the heart of Jesus ramp up expectations for a big album. Chicks snorting coke off each other, standing outside the White House with black guns and white signs are some of the images conjured. unfortunately the album just can’t support those grand designs.
The energy supplied by Lil Fame on “Live It Up” makes the song a standout and stands as a welcome departure from the monotony brought on by more delusions of grandieur. Freddie Gibbs similarly ratchets the gullyness on track on “Make It Out Alive.” Crooked I supplies the verbal gymnastics that push the song to higher levels.
“Time Traveling” is Term’s version of “Why,” changing tragic events for the better such as pulling the fire alarm on the World Trade before the attacks so people can get out in time, capping Bin Laden and putting himself on the bill of the first rap concert. It’s cute but we’ve been down this road and the female vocalist on the hook is a shower singer at best. “Too Long” is similarly dragged down by mediocre singing but the hard drums and pace allow Term to deliver one of his best flows of the album.
Closing note “Up Every Night” is about as un-Termanology as you can get production wise. It’s supposed to be a party record but it doesn’t bump hard enough to rock the party, even though Term handles himself well on the track.
The main failing of the album is the lack of oomph on the production side. there are more than a few songs with substandard singing and songs where the beat just didn’t dig deep enough. Statik Selektah has been carrying the boom bap banner for some time now, with some even giving him the throne that will always be DJ Premier’s. It’s not his fault, but when you’re in position you have to deliver and there just wasn’t enough boom in the bap for this offering. Ultimately, 2012 belongs in 1992. Not a bad album, but one stuck in the old ways without enough force to snap your head into looking back.
Out of 5
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