Customer Reviews

Hi-Teknology, Vol. 2: The Chip

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

 

 

Hi-Tek - Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip (Babygrande, 2006)

Between 2000 and '01, next to DJ Premier and The Alchemist, Hi-Tek was THE producer to work with. Thus, after his first Hi-Teknology album, he spent a lot of time producing for others, most notably for Dr. Dre's Aftermath camp, including G Unit. But if he didn't become a household name even from that affiliation, he hopes to change that with Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip.

I used to think that Tek's productions became watered-down after working with G Unit but he gets some of his swagger back on this album. You won't find anything as hard-hitting as "The Sun God" here but that's only because his beats sound more catered to the guest stars present (we don't necessarily need another showcase of Tek's talents).

With that said, there are a couple of tight tracks on here like the single, "Where It Started At" featuring singer Dion and rappers Raekwon, Jadakiss, and Papoose, who continues in his show-stealing role. But 'Kiss does drop a funny line about folks in New York wearing bootleg Jordans because they can't afford the real thing; I thought that only happened here in Milwaukee. Other powerful songs are "Music for Life" featuring Nas, Common, Tek himself, Floetry's Marsha and the late J. Dilla; "So Tired" featuring Bun B, Devin the Dude and Pretty Ugly (who is another very promising rapper); "Keep It Moving" featuring Q-Tip and Kurupt (who both got their swagger back for this song); and "Josephine" featuring Ghostface Killah, Pretty Ugly again and Tek's dad's band, The Willie Cottrell Band. And if you're lucky to get the limited edition, there's a dope bonus track featuring Talib Kweli, Slim Thug and a revitalized Snoop Dogg (which ain't surprising because he and Tek usually work great together).

On the same token, there are a handful of tracks that don't cut it. "March" is another been-there-done-that Busta Rhymes track while The Game does his usual annoying name-dropping affair on "1-800-HOMICIDE". "Can We Go Back" has a too-short Kweli verse while Ayak croons off-key and "Money Don't Make U Rich" still doesn't show why Xzibit's crew, Strong Arm Steady, is worthy. Elsewhere, the syrupy, mainstream sounds of Czar*Nok's "Baby We Can Do It" might make you break the fast-forward button.

But you would still be hard-pressed to find a better rap compilation this year and it's good that Tek got his family involved (his son, Lil' Tone, performs "Think I Got a Beat", and The Willie Cottrell Band, while not the best singers in the world, still delivers some goods throughout the album). Tek also drops bars here and there like on the aforementioned "Music for Life" and his solo, "The Chip" and he don't sound half-bad. But fans will buy this album just to hear his beats and ultimately, they'll be pleased with even more than that. -EJR

Hi-Tek's second installment of his Hi-Teknology saga is a much more balanced, and finer product than the first. The young, inspiring producer has obviously learned quite a lot as one of Aftermath's heavyweight producers, with Dr. Dre as his mentor, and Dre's influence on Tek is evident in a few of the tracks on this album. At the same time, Hi-Tek's production remains as original as its ever been.

Tracks like "Where It Started At," which is one of the hottest singles released this year, put this album in the territory it's reached. Jadakiss, Papoose, Raekwon, and Talib all guest on that song, and as can be expected from those four talented emcees, this posse cut is undeniably ill. Dion is also on the hook, and he finds himself on this album quite a good bit; which is actually welcome, seeing as he has a pleanant tone of voice, which is different from most R&B cats out today.

"1-800 Homicide" is, musically, a trip back to Dre's style on 2001; in fact, the beat would sound completely at home on that album had it not come out 7 years ago. The Game and Dion are both on this track, and while The Game delivers his typical name-dropping fare, Dion provides an infectious hook, and the beat is too hard to pass up. It's only a shame how criminally short this song is.

"Music For Life" is the most powerful cut on the album, featuring Busta Rhymes, Nas, Marsha(of Floetry), Common, and the late Dilla. Now, while I'm all for preserving Dilla's legacy, and I know his friends lost a great person, I really think that he's being slightly over-exposed by his friends, as he's had numerous songs in dedication to him on some of 2006's most acclaimed releases. I say this out of complete respect for Jay Dee himself; I don't want to see his legacy disgraced in the same way other hip-hop artists are after they leave this earth. Nonetheless, this is still an amazing song. Everyone drops an ill verse, and the production is top-notch, much like everything else found on the album.

Other stand-out tracks include "The Chip," "Keep It Moving," "Josephine," and "So Tired." With the all-star casts, including hip-hop heavyweights like Ghostface Killah, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Common, Talib Kweli, The Game, Jadakiss, and Nas, to highly underrated emcees like Devin The Dude, Bun B, and Papoose, this album delivers from start to finish, and should move a decent amount of units. No matter how well it sells, it's still one of this year's finest achievements, and Hi-Tek was able to compile one dope album.

Man, Babygrande Records is on a roll. In '06 they've given us great releases from Bronze Nazareth, Apathy, Jedi Mind Tricks, Lord Jamar, and a few others. Up next for Babygrande is 'Natti representative and producer/rapper, DJ Hi Tek. I gotta say that this is a pretty solid release, but I guess after simmering for 5 years I expected a little more from him. It's still worth checking out though. There are dope joints like "Keep It Moving", "Music For Life", and "Josephine" that make this album a must have. I think "So Tired" is just plain awesome (what can I say, I'm a HUGE Devin fan) and there are a few solid cuts like "Let It Go", "People Going Down", and "Where It Started At (NY)" (which I think is somewhat overrated, but still good) sprinkled throughout the album.

What I found troubling was the number of joints that fell under skip material. "March" features an uninspired Busta Rhymes trying to get hype over a track that won't get hype with him and "Money Don't Make You Rich" and "Baby We Can Do It" are total snoozers. Long story short: Tek drops some joints that sound like his old stuff (brilliant) and he drops some joints that sound like his new stuff (so-so). I'm not saying he has to sound the same way all the time, but some of his newer sounding joints are just "eh."

Hi Teknology is definitely a solid release from Tek. There are enough gems on this disc to make getting this a good idea. Tek is still a top tier producer and you know that there's a certain quality level that can be expected from him. There's no disappointment in the overall product as there are plenty of head nodders. I recommend adding this one to your collection.

Standout Tracks: Can We Go Back feat. Ayak & Talib Kweli, So Tired feat. Bun B, Devin The Dude, Dion, & Pretty Ugly, Let It Go feat. Talib Kweli & Dion, Keep It Moving feat. Kurupt, Q Tip, & Dion (My Favorite), People Going Down feat. Willie Cottrell Band, Josephine feat. Ghostface, Pretty Ugly, & Willie Cottrell Band, Think I Got A Beat feat. Lil' Tone, and Music For Life feat. Nas, Busta Rhymes, Common, J Dilla, & Marsha Ambrosius (Floetry)

It's hard to find fault with Hi-Tek. Whether it's his Cincinnati upbringing that enabled him to have a unique and organic sound, his genuine love for music, or the high-caliber emcees and singers he has collaborated with over the years; Hi-Tek is one of the best in the game today and probably tomorrow, hands down. The proof is in the 15 solid tracks that comprise Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip (Om/Babygrande), simply another notch on the Aftermath staff producer's heavyweight belt.

Since his debut solo offering, Hi-Teknology, Tony Cottrell had pretty much ditched the confines of conscious Hip-Hop (Reflection Eternal, Black Star) for the greener pastures, finding his beats beneath the vocals of the likes of Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent. While his paychecks may have gotten fatter as result, it's clear he has preserved his creative charge to make music for purists as well as the mainstream, and everyone in between. Hi-Teknology 2 is a better-crafted, more refined version its first installment.

From the sonic perspective, the best track on the album is "Keep It Moving," a string and jazz percussion-laden song featuring thoughtful verses from Q-Tip and Kurupt. Conceptually and lyrically, "Music For Life" is the one to check for, as it features Nas narrating his musical journey and Hi-Tek professing his love for the art form. On "Where It Started (N.Y.),"Jadakiss, Papoose, Raekwon and Talib Kweli toast the ins-and-outs of their hometown over a classic Hi-Tek number, a down tempo beat with melodic strings. Less successful are collaborations with Game ("1-800-Homicide") and Busta Rhymes ("March"), and that's only because the two emcees apply their normal repertoire to an otherwise uniquely crafted product.

Overall, Hi-Teknology 2 is an elite exhibition of Hi-Tek's production virtuosity. Much like the late J Dilla, Just Blaze and Kanye, he manages to achieve something other producers have trouble doing: creating a mood without sounding redundant. Ultimately, it's that type of music-making that will stand the test of time, so Hi-Tek is on the right track.

This is a quality compilation from one of hip-hop's best producers. Several excellent tracks with great beats and flow from some lyricists I wasn't familiar with. If you liked Black Star but don't require thundering bass from every single track on a CD (some of my fav tracks on this are the slower ones), cop this CD. You'll find that you will listen to it a lot.

My first thought when I saw this was that no good could come from a collection cd that had the phrase "Vol. 2" in its title. After listening to it though there are some absolute cuts on here reminiscent of the golden age of Ruckus with a slightly modern style. My only complaint would be that to me this is not an album but more a collection of songs, it does not have a definite flow to it, but then again most rap cds these days don't.

Hi-Tek finally comes back with some heavy hitters. Hot songs for your ears to enjoy!!!

What a great collection of hits. This is my first HI-TEK CD, so I have nothing to compare it to. There are so many good tracks on this cd and each one has its own feel and originality. Josephine is a stand out track as well as many others. BUY IT.

I am gonna keep it short and sweet. You need to get this CD in your rotation because when you start hearing other CDs compared to this you will start to appreciate the diversity and depth of the tracks. Hi Tek keeps the beats fresh and the guests bring lyrical firepower.

Top 5 tracks:
-"Keep it Moving" feat. Q-tip, Kurupt, & Dion
-"Jospehine" feat. Willie Cottrell Band, Ghostface Killah & Pretty Ugly
-"Where it Started At" feat. Dion, Jadakiss, Papoose, Talib Kweli & Raekwon
-"Let it Go" feat. Dion & Talib Kweli
-"Music" feat. J. Dilla, Nas, Common, Busta Rhymes & Marsha Ambrosius

Don't get caught without it!!!

Hi-Tek one of the hot producers out there, falls a little short on this colaboration. Most of the beats are hot and the production is decent overall but the overall experience lacks that hard-hitting hip-hop feel from the 1st CD. Takes a while to grow on you. Too many slow jams.