Even
though we usually cheer our hardest for the star players, there is
always a little part of us that loves the scrappy underdog from the
bench. They fill a role, and some are easier to relate to. Thats why we
cheer when its their to come off the bench and are given their chance
to shine.
When
it comes to the Justus League, we all know the star players. They have
made themselves known throughout the 2000’s as some of the undergrounds
strongest acts. Coming those stars are a group of talented emcees and
producers who have been featured around their LP’s and mixtapes.
L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Khrysis
[click to read] are among those who have been featured, making the most of their time.
The two decided to clique up together and create L.E.G.A.C.Y.‘s sophomore album, Suicide Music.
It features Khrysis production all the way, and sans one track, just
L.E.G.A.C.Y. spitting bars on his own. While this results in some bright
spots, they are sandwiched between forgetful tracks. It gives Suicide
Music certain bright spots, but its imbalance ends up letting it miss
the mark.
L.E.G.A.C.Y.
has the ability to deliver over the beat. “The Connector” is a quick
shot of his delivery and mic presence. Over the subtle beat,
L.E.G.A.C.Y. spends two minutes spitting some of his most solid bars on
the album. Even if he stumbles at times, he certainly shows the ability
to push emotion and power through his lyrics.
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Even
though L.E.G.A.C.Y. can handle himself, the star of the show is Khrysis.
Those who love his style should find themselves right at home here.
Heavy sampling and strong procession is wrapped all around Suicide Music.
This is on display on the title track, “Suicide Music,” which opens up
the album and displays Khrysis‘ knack to find a certain piece of a
sample to set himself apart. This is shown best on “Fly So High” where
the sample that’s laced with a rhythmic piano, mixes with the sample on
the hook that leaves the listeners head rocking.
The
pride of this album has to come from “TKO.” It features L.E.G.A.C.Y.,
Chaundon, and Sean Price [click to read]
who deliver some of their best verses in 2009 over Khrysis‘ beautifully
uneven beat. However, the most memorable verse on the song and album
happens to fall on Phonte
[click to read].
Within the beat breaks he discusses the Foreign Exchange, his rapping,
and his current situation with music all in one sixteen. The verse is
full of the emotion and veracity we have come to appreciate. It’s the
raw Phonte that many of us haven’t seen too much of this year.
Even featuring that track, Suicide Music
never seems to match that intensity or momentum on a consistent basis.
“Policia” has L.E.G.A.C.Y. spitting some decent bars and trying to
weave story into the production, but he can never seem to find his two
feet. By the time he does, it’s time to proceed into the next
selection. Khrysis seems to phone in a beat or two himself, like on
“Looking Glass.” It leaves you scratching your head when you hear some
very solid production from the New Jersey native, and it seems to lose
its speed just a few tracks later.
Even with the amount of backlog of material these two have racked up, Suicide Music
still feels like L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Khrysis are finding each other. There is some seriously good music to dig into here, however sometimes it
just doesn’t mesh, which leaves much more to be desired. It leaves the
feeling that while this one could have blown you away, it simply
settles for letting you go quietly.
