The Bronx’s Forest Hill Projects has bred some of Hip Hop’s greatest producers and emcees: Lord Finesse, Diamond D [click to read], Showbiz and Fat Joe [click to read], all members of mic-and-board masterminds Diggin’ In The Crates. Longtime affiliates of their PJ’s pals, Freestyle Professors are also disciplies of Afrika Bambaataa‘s right-hand and Universal Zulu Nation deejay Jazzy Jay. Their 1994 EP and several subsequent releases made the duo of Branesparker and GIFF (f/k/a) Geo culminate their journey 15 years later, with a nice slab of new recordings as Gryme Tyme, unveiling a Bronx secret that’s lived on wax and independent radio for years.
Like Large Professor‘s [click to read] Main Source [click to read] last year, The Freestyle Professors have an uncanny ability to sound old and new at once. Rooted in Bronx tradition, Gryme Tyme is both stylized and timeless at once. “We Comin’,” produced by Showbiz, finds Branesparker using a syncopated delivery that slides through lots of religious references (think “Live At The Barbeque” more than “Jesus Walks”) before he rallies his partner with the simple “we comin’,” repeated chorus. Without someone like Show providing the extensive boom-bap drum track, the song might sound antiquated. Instead, it becomes clear that this is the sound that can’t be mimicked when mainstream emcees attempt to go hardcore. “Time Flies,” produced by longtime Mos Def affiliate Minnesota, shows the group’s storytelling abilities. Here, the emcees go back in time to recount both highlights and dues paid in their Rap careers, as well as moments of wisdom and regret in the corresponding street hustles. Branes and GIFF don’t age themselves at all, but comes across with the kind of wisdom that few fathers dare to provide. It’s forthright, honest and kicked to you with the sincerity that’s only offered from yesterday’s backstreet boy, that today’s youth can respect and respond to.
Although the wisdom and archetype Bronx messages are right there in your face, a draw to new fans is undeniably the production. Buckwild‘s contributions on “The Lord’s Prayer” showcases the D.I.T.C.‘s producer almost unbeatable knack for putting the gangsta in a beat that could go mainstream. While this chunk of keys and chords could easily end up on a 50 Cent [click to read] or Kool G Rap [click to read] project, it stayed in the borough for a masterfully convincing street psalm. Diamond checks in with the unmistakeable muted horns for “Think About It” that burns slow, allowing Branes and GIFF to kick knowledge on life’s ills. This effort could easily pass as a mistaken leftover from the cult-cherished Hatred, Passions and Infidelity album. Finesse also drops in on “Confuse A Few,” with a verse may slightly edge out his board-work for a rare appearance this year. Not for nothing though, Branesparker is a crafty technician in his own right. “Knick, Knack” builds on the famed EPMD [click to read] chorus, but Branes‘ drum loops are outstanding, and mixed together with a 1994 approach that will please many.
Gryme Tyme is Starter Jacket Rap music that is built for the Discman on the crowded trains and littered sidewalk of the present day city. Lyricism bends to message, and the production celebrates the group’s legacy to surround themselves with esteemed diggers and masters of records. The Freestyle Professors are one of the few groups who can still fetch three figures for their ’90s EPs and at the same time, actively make and release music that’s on par with all of it. May the rest of the ’90s Bronx alumni listen to Gryme Tyme any time they want to take a trip to the past without going too far.
Dope