Customer Reviews

Nine

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

 

 

Its been about two years since New Breed dropped there well acclaimed
debut
album, "Stop the Music". With so much street creditability and momentum
they have built, one has to wonder; How well there follow up?

Without a surprise, this album will not fall under the sophomore
jinx. This album infact is one of the best productions that Tunnel
Rats has released. Accompanied by Dert as there main producer, one
would think that it would be the same sound that he is known for.

Surprisingly, not only has is his sound seemed to change, but it also
tailored to fit both siblings style. Compare to the first album or any
Tunnel Rat album, this one is the most original and well crafted project
that has been created from the lab. "Nine" is a theme that is carried
from the bible describing the nine fruits from the spirit. Love, Joy,
Peace,
Long- Suffering, Goodness, Faith, Self-Control, Meekness, and
Gentleness.

When creating an album with a theme for the fruits of the spirit, one
can
feel a bit deprived from the shortage of tracks (only nine),
like Nas- Illmatic. But even though its 9 track on the album, you sense
a completion and the integrity that Tunnel Rats motto stand by, "Making
music that people feel". With no fillers in this project, there is a
higher level of appreciation for the quality of this new album.

The stand out tracks that appeal to me would be, "Love"- A sound that
has a funk type
rhythm with a hook that is performed by female singers. "Joy, Peace,
Gentleness" and my personal favorite "Long Suffering". This is a
heart-felt
track, that speaks about long enduring Tunnel Rat stamina in this
industry, and the
world as a Christian and emcee. There are two tracks where both Macho
and Elsie are able to display there talent by themselves. Macho goes
solo with, "Faith" This track has a Latin based sound, with horns that
enhance the drums and the violin which compliments the track. Elise
does her thing on, "Self-Control"- Which brings her back in the
environment that fits her quite well. Like an alligator in the swamp,
this
track was made perfectly for Elise and a hook that lets the turntable do
the taking. An underground sound with a piano loop follow up and a drum
track that goes boom bap.

Even with all this praise I have to mention the lest of the tracks on
this album. "Meekness", all though they were lyrically on point, I
couldn't get past the same repetitive sound that can quickly get your
ears burnt
out. It was a simple loop that was basic, and had no other various
breaks that could of help the track, being more pleasant to hear.

With that being said and done, I have to emphases that New Breed- Nine
is a well done and crafted item from the Tunnel Rat camp. With the
recorded being well-laced, it safe to say that New Breed and Dert have
gotten the chemistry down packed. Hopefully in the future they will be
more willing to work with other producers and have tracks including
more of a DJ presence being felt. 4 1/2 Stars
LexL

Also posted on MixtapeMeltdown.com

The Nine are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, faith, self-control, meekness, and gentleness: the fruits of the Spirit described in Galatians 5.

New Breed rips through our hearts and souls with the two-edged sword of the Word on these very principles.

It touches on the aspects of life that everyone lacks, and how God brought us around to his fruits.

"Love," is one of the best songs on the album. Elsie and Macho, the brother-sister duo from Tunnel Ratz that form this New Breed, stand in awe, as so many of us do, of how God provided all the love that they ever needed.

The lyrics are sincerely gripping and apply to everyone who is truly in love with God and his provisions.

However first place goes to "Long-Suffering."

"And then I want a platinum plaque to show the industry we could sell. But I don't want to shake my butt or take my clothes off to get it...It's a shame to hold me back cause I got too much integrity," says Elsie.

Macho follows up, "[Others say] you know it would be fresh if once in a while y'all cussed...And don't think the topic never crossed my mind. A million dollars could really tempt a brother to cross the line. Cause my conviction it be convicting me."

The industry's gotta change. New Breed will leave you with no doubt of that.

To add to their already piercing lyrics, every song on this album has a great beat.

Check out the CD Nine by New Breed; I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

If you love hip hop with a positive, spirit filled message, this is the album to cop. The beats is ridiculous. The lyrics is ridiculous. The flow is tight. The concept of flowing to the 9 fruit of the Spirit is powerful. You WILL NOT be disappointed with this album. Props to New Breed for exceeding my expectations and making me go crazy as I was listening to this album for the first time in my car. You'll likely do the same thing.