Customer Reviews

High Definition

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Don't believe the reviewers who say the choruses kill the album. These are undoubtedly die-hard Shootyz fans who hate to hear any kind of change, just like the Metallica fans who cry "sellout" every time they release anything. There is no question they don't like the choruses because the guys actually sing them with some sort of structure, instead of just free-style rapping, as in their previous releases. I have all of Shootyz CDs, and I love them all, but this one is BY FAR their best - it really shows their growth as a band. The songs are actually quite diverse and cover a lot of ground, both musically and lyrically, from the bass-driven groove of "Faithful" (written for the fans) to the acoustic intro on "Dear God" to the feel-good song of the year, "L-Train", this album has it all! Trust me, this whole album is tight, and if you like rap/rock at all, or anything with a good groove, you will LOVE this album. So what are you waiting for? Buy it now!

Rap metal act Shootyz Groove have been around for a few years now but sadly success hasn't been easy for them. When they first appeared the rap metal scene just consisted of angst ridden Rage Against the Machine style bands and Shootyz Groove's mellow positive vibes didn't really fit in. Now the band have picked a better time to make the big league, as bands like Sugar Ray, Everlast, Dub War, Sublime and even Limp Bizkit have combined rock and rap with more mellow results. The sound of this album is a more mature, almost organic hip-hop sound with liberal helpings of funk rather than downtuned riffs and aggressive style populating the LA scene. One of `High Definitions' standout tracks is the brilliant `L-Train', with it's combination of skankin rap verses and a uplifting chorus, is one of the best singles released last year, and the fact that no-one knows it indicates how overlooked this band are. `Young City Boys and Girls' follows the same path, where as `So Much Time' has latino elements, and `Easily' and the cover of XTC's `Dear God (Oh My God)' follow the Everlast blueprint with a nice acoustic feel to them. Even though a couple of tracks don't quite hit the spot and it takes a couple of listens to get into, High Definition is a interesting album, and it's a breath of fresh air to hear a band rapping about something other than the usual rap metal clichés. Good stuff.

You might not know NYC-based shootyz groove, but you would know "L-train" if you heard it. An awesome album, really great songs. MCees Sense and Season make a great team, and Paul Freaky is one of the best bass players I've ever heard. The overwhelming positive message gives this cd an edge over others: You can love the music AND agree with the lyrics. "Open up your eyes and spy, Lazarus / Better yet open up your heart, y'all imagine this." Oh yeah.

I don't understand some of the negative reviews this disc has received? "High Definition" provides serious grooves to the listener delivered with committment and passion. The opener, "Mad For It" kicks off the set in high gear. Their music does meld a number of styles, but they are able to craft the pieces into a distinct sound that definitely makes you want to move and sing along. I've read reviews about them not having good beats like other bands and I disagree. The "beat" may not be as "out front" or dominate the mix, but the drumming is superb. I think Big Dose is creative and contributes a wide variety of phat beats throughout. His drumming is one of the reasons why I like this album so much. Another reason is Shootyz' positive message - they share hope and encourage people to remain strong. It's hard to pick a favorite - "Faitfhul", "So Much Time", and "Blow Your Top" are all slammin'; their remake of "Dear God" is a pleasant surprise; but to me "Easily" is the killer. Shootyz Groove deserves high praise because "High Definition" delivers.

Shootyz Groove really knows how to mix it up. I'm sure you're sick of reading reviews, but I'll make this short and sweet. If you like rock and if you like rap, then you'll love this album.. It's nice to see a band combine the 2, and also come across with some melody and inciteful lyrics. Also, these guys aren't afraid to use 6-strings. Not that I don't like it, but even I'm getting kind of sick of all the 7-string wanna be's out there. You'll like this album, trust me!!! OTher recommended bands: 311 , Dial 7, Incubus, P.O.D, Fat, Snow (yeah, seriously!!)

High Defininiton is Shootyz at its finest. Ever since their respect EP and JIVE, they have not swayed far from their funk/punk/rap/rock roots. to compare them to Kid rock and Lip Bisciut is unjust. Shootyz can play on their own level and they cannot be compared to any band in any genre of music. They play what they want, from the fast "NYC Minute" to the hopeful "easily" to the song that tells their story "blow your top" Shootyz groove has put out one of their best albums to date and they can still rock a live show. Season, Sense, Dose, Paul Freaklove, and Donny cannot be stopped!!! dont buy this album if you like Kid rock et. al....buy this album for the sound that Shootyz Groove can make and the attitude that they carry

Shootyz groove releases another great album on june 8th. "High Definition" is the title with a futuristic 3 dimensional looking "SG" on the cover. I've heard most of the album already and it sounds really phat. They did a lot more post production stuff and added really cool sounds and samples. Unlike older albums where they basically just recorded their tracks and mixed it straight up without adding the cool effects. The first single "L Train" is one of my favs off the album. They will probably be playing it on the radio which to me is a surprise from shootyz. They also have a video for the song, which i can't wait to see. All in all i definetely recomend this album to anyone down with the groove, or anyone down with crossover bands(hip hop,metal,funk,reggae,punk)

This is by far the best shootyz groove album produced. High Definition is the first S.G. album to rely more on melody rather than a rythem. To prove it the band did a cover of Andy Partridge's "Dear God". Of course they altered it to fit their style. The roots of their music are shown on songs like "faithful", which has the aggressive, hard-hitting, in your face funk of JIVE. Some of the newer twists on high definition are "L Train" and "easily". Both songs are incredible. Another great quality of Shootyz Groove is that the overall message of their music is positive. In their genere of music Shootyz Groove is not the first band to do this (311, 2 skinnie J's), but rather they do it in their own way. They tell Americas youth there's always a positive way out, and that the world was made for them.....so use it. Overall, it's a great album, and it fully deserves five stars.

this cd is for you if you like the 311 sound, if you do and you want a cd that you can listen to track 1 to track 11 you should check it out! -cant wait to see them at ozzfest the 13 & 14 of august!

I have been looking for some new music like this forever. I don't know how big L Train is now elsewhere, but in the Richmond area it gets no play whatsoever. Shootyz is an awesome band that goes great with any cd collection. Although it is mostly rapcore, it doesn't come across as in your face as (for ex.) Limp Bizkit (Who I also think rocks). This cd fits right in with the likes of 311, 2 Skinnee J's, Citizen King, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Keep the Shootyz coming!!