Customer Reviews

Formula

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Blending the stylings of underrated Black Moon frontman Buckshot, and former Little Brother producer 9th Wonder seemed like a definite recipe for success(to me at least) in 2005 when they released their debut album titled, "Chemistry." The result was a solid album, not quite as cohesive as it should have sounded(especially considering the CD's name); maybe it was rushed but the disc came off sounding like a good mix tape rather than the album that was expected. Well, fast forward to 2008 and the boys are back to give it another shot with "The Formula." Honestly, this album should have been titled "Chemistry" because Buckshot and 9th gel lovely this time around, from the intro(which is one of the best cuts on here) on down the line, there isn't a bad track to be found on here. Veteran MC Buckshot is solid as always, he's the type of MC who never leaves you thinking about his lyrics for very long after you listen to him, but he rides beats well and rarely delivers garbage on the mic(and he's at his best when he isn't on a gangster tip, which he isn't here thankfully... ever hear his solo "The BDI Thug?" No? Good, keep it that way...). 9th Wonder drops some of his best work in awhile too, keeping things fresh and switching up his drum beats and patterns nicely(which has been the main knock against him from the get-go). Though Buckshot will always sound the best over the rough and rugged stylings of Da Beatminerz, and 9th Wonder may never eclipse his brilliance with Little Brother, when two cats this talented get together you just gotta take notice... one of the best Hip Hop releases so far this year, check it out.

9th Wonder & Buckshot came back for their sophomore effort "The Formula", with a bang. After their first collaboration, Chemistry(About a half star less than this one IMO), 9th & Buckshot must've wanted something that sounded like they were both still hungry for the game. Buckshot sounds like he went back to his old self from the '90s. He indeed stepped his game up from the last outing. 9th Wonder, as always, delivers terrific production throughout. 9th is easily becoming the best young producer in the game today. The guest spots on the album are held to mostly soulful singing by the likes of Keisha
Shontelle, Tyler Woods, Carlitta Durand, etc. Talib Kweli drops by for one of the best verses on the album (I mean, it is Talib Kweli). Overall, 9th Wonder & Buckshot definitely brought their A game for this one. Highly recommended. 2008 is shaping up to be a great year for hip hop.

Lyrics- 8.5/10
Production- 9.5/10
Guest Appearances- 10/10
Overall Sound- 9/10

4.63

-Shaun B.

Just in case your not familiar this is the second time Buckshot and 9th Wonder have teamed up...They had a 4 star effort the first time with 2005's CHEMISTRY, and they decided to go back into the lab and find the FORMULA...Well like most scientists their antidote is working...as they continue to produce INCREDIBLE hip-hop music...as usual 9th's production never falters but I think what makes this different than the first time is that Buckshot seemed more inspired on this effort...he steps up his lyrical game and his flow is tighter than ever...Talib Kweli makes an appearance on here and the lyrics between him and Buckshot just sounds extremely right together with background vocals from Tyler Woods(The r&b cat of Justus League)...it's just a really strong effort and a classic in my eyes...one track just flows into the next one thanks to 9th and when you add that in with Buckshot increasing his vocal presence and inspirations on it and that can only mean one thing....CLASSIC!!!

Top 5 songs:
1.Ready(Brand New Day)
2.Hold It Down
3.No Future
4.Shinin Ya'll
5.Be Cool

Get this NOW....you will not be disappointed!

This album is better than the first effort (which i gave 3-4 stars). Here both artists Buck and NInth improve exponentially on their weekness which is monotony. The knock against 9th wonder are the beats have a similar sound and that Buckshot mails in some of his lyrics and relies on his delivery at times. This album right here "The Formula" suffers from none of the above. I've been banging this album for over two months straight! This is hot fire. Chockfull of lyrics that the average cat on the street can understate and relate to without talking about bling and hoochies and endless gun talk, meanwhile the beats are all killer headbob or soulfull smooth sounding tracks. This album is certainly a classic of the new millenium era and if it isn't than i'm curious as to what elements folks think are missing to make it one. If you like Kanye, Common, Lil Bros, AZ, Lil Wayne( ie Katrina Song and the other joint with hip hop being on lifesupport etc), Freeway, Talib, Jay Live's latest efforts in terms of them being quality albums with beats and lyrics u will love this album. If u don't love this album you don't love the basic elements of hiphop in its rawest form. This album sounds like the best of golden age hip hop with no fake glitz, straight hiphop with no chaser, strictly for music lovers.

What I find So Gratifying About This CD as a listener is the growth these 2 artists have shown with this effort. Buckshot keeps up with Talib Kweli (which is no easy feat) on "Hold You Down", and deliever's a tighter flow than ive heard previously and 9th Wonder is Begginning to show Quailty vs Quantity in his production and it really shows in this effort.

id never heard buckshot except on dream merchant 2. but die hard 9th wonder fan so i picked it up an the album solid all the way. tight lyrics 9th production on point as always what more do whant after that. pick it up its just one more mc to add to my collection. an talib drops a better than average verse on hold it down witch is my fav song

I copped the album about three months ago and only listened to a few tracks.But recently i took time out and heard the entire album I must say I'm impressed. DOPE DOPE DOPE DOPE

super happy buck is back or should i say spread out and 9th wonder had the beats to compliment bucks flow and vice sa versa ,always have been a bcc fan pnc for life type of listner so its nice how this cd sparks up steele,sean price,smif n wessun,5ft etc.....

This is true grown up hip hop not like that other stuff that the record companies are force feeding the youth today. Anyone that is not familiar with this album or any other albums that 9th wonder is involved with is missing out on a part of life that all true rap or hip hop fans need to experience. Not only is this album a must have you have to also get the "chemistry" album along with the " dream merchant 1 and 2". Just get anything that the 9th wonder is involved with.

This album is off the chain! Buckshot did his thing lyrically, and 9th has those hot beats! The combination is a hit album.. This is going to be a classic. Easily 5 stars!