Rappers in the “Lone Star State” have long been known for their appeasement of candy-painted rides, chopped and screwed vibes and an overall emphasis of southern hospitality. Breaking this ceremonious mold, Houston-based quartet The Niceguys (Easy Yves Saint, DJ Candlestick, Christolph and Free) have made a name for themselves by providing universally-crafty records attuned to the younger Hip Hop fans online. Contrasting their humorous video series with a steady appetite for the studio, it would make sense for the group’s debut album to be fairly light and entertaining, yet professional in approach. That’s exactly what ensues on The Show.
As the mouth piece of The Niceguys, Easy Yves Saint personifies their theme of “performance and energy with a dash of awesomeness” nicely. Whether he’s administering a verbal hex on haters with “Contraverses” or getting his celebratory fix on “Toast,” Saint’s radiant delivery carries an assertive tone that is comparable to veteran emcees. Unfortunately, what turns out to be Yves Saint’s biggest flaw is his ostentatious lyricism that seemingly has no implicit value. Take “The Good Shepherd” in which he raps, “Must I remind you, getting behind dude / Like being blind with a good seeing eye to guide you / I’m a dog, four legs but stand on my hind two / Don’t bark, rather I spark my ‘K’ and my nine too.” Sure, the word play looks good on paper, but the constant metaphors interferes with the message he is trying to get across. Then on “It’s Like That,” Saint bewilders the listener with a clumsy homophone barrage; “Brakes loose, no brakes, we break rules / And we don’t use the brakes, I break her off until the break of dawn.” Examples like this hinder an otherwise respectable performance from the Queens-to-Houston rapper.
While Christolph and Free “share” production duties for The Niceguys, Christolph’s volume of work on the album is a sign of whose beats worked best for The Show. Characteristically soulful and upbeat, the aforementioned “Toast” is an instant head-bobbing record layered with synth keys, drums and horns galore. In stark contrast, the aggressively Rock-induced “Mr. Perfect” shows the range of Christolph’s creations. However, it’s his work on “Things Ain’t The Same” and “On This Road” that provide the album superb audible context. On the former track, Christolph matches Easy Yves Saint’s disappointed lyrics over the loss of a girlfriend with a dejected guitar riff melody that brings out the emotion of record. On the latter, it’s his addition of an alluring flute that thrusts the journey-filled narrative forward. To be fair, Free’s contributions are not too shabby either as production for the album-ending “Curtains” properly fits the vibe of the record.
With musical peaks and valleys, The Show is an admirable debut for a group that has yet to tap into their full potential. Still, the question at hand is whether they can become a staple figure in a genre that sees too many new artists come and go. Whatever the case, The Niceguys have become an interesting group to watch in the near future.
Why does DX even bother to review this bullshit? Who are these hipster clowns?
No thanks.
yeah, how about you stop being so closed-minded…does this sound like “hipster rap”??…niggas hate on shit without giving albums a single listening. download it and then judge it. this is one of the best albums i’ve heard in years. a modern classic.
and to the hiphip DX “revier”…you basically said “Yves is TOO lyrical”…lol…no more reviewing albums for you, okay?
I just listened to it on their myspace page, shit is solid.
hipsters? you’re a fucking moron. there’s a dipset and a lloyd banks album coming out soon, maybe that’ll be more up your alley.
Shouts to Bowser, I just gave it a listen on their myspace page too. The singles were good and I’m Really digging it.
The beats are dope as hell. The lyrics are up to par, it’s kinda hard to understand dude sometimes. But I just heard it on Myspace too and I think Ima cop it. Idk why people are hating, this shyt has everything for everyone. Lame ass dudes. I see the effort in the music. Good music.
Yea I agree that you have to give dude a few listens to catch all of the lines and get it all, but that’s refreshing. Especially in a time when most shit is so disposable. The song “Cave” and “On This Road” are remarkable. Very good debut
Made my way through the album on MySpace and was not disappointed Can’t say I totally agree with this review, but people need to check this on the 28th.
The Niceguys. You already know this is gonna be crazy. They’ve been killing shit!
Dopenss
had a chance to check it out on myspace, impressed with the album as a whole and look forward to hearing more from these guys. 4/5
This album is one of the best things i’ve heard all year, glad they finally put this out. Just copped it off iTunes….this is classic music!!
ceritified! this is good music…love it
YOU TIRED OF BULLSHIT ABC LYRICS? TIRED OF SONGS ABOUT CLOTHES, MONEY AND CARS??? THEN CHECK OUT THE PILL POPPIN BEER DRINKIN BLUNT SMOKIN SPIC FROM NEW JERSEY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXnvuNmXDIE
It’s one of the best complete albums that I’ve heard this year. Dope production, a diverse range of lyrical ability and content, and well-thought concept. Great execution from these very talented dudes.
love
I gotta disagree wit the reviewer, I can’t believe this got anythin lower than a 4. This album was surprisingly dope, and I’m glad I looked out for this afta hearin mr. Perfect a while bak. ” Dope beats, dope rhymes, wut more do y’all want?” – Phonte
Forgot to rate
I don’t see why it’s a bad thing if everybody don’t understand his rhymes right away, and anyway probably they make sense to him. Great beats too, great listen as a whole. (why only 3 though)
Dope Album!
I rarely agree with the reviews on DX but, this review seems on point to me. Musically and beat-wise, this album is very fresh to my ears. But lyrically, there’s some really dope moments on this album that i wish stayed consistent. “Things Aint The Same”, “Mr. Perfect” and “On The Road” are clear examples that this crew can stand out on their own. But when the MC goes on his Weezy/Jay-Z/Jim Jones-ish stints, he dumbs-down the LP’s intelligence. It’s as if he knows who he is but would rather be like someone else on the mic – I’m just saying what it sounds like. I’ll definitely keep checking for these cats though… cuz I’ve easily found more than 4 favorite songs on here that I’m continuously playing.
jim jones lil wayne stints? fuck are u talkin about lol….the MC is consistent throughout…on toast he goes a lil braggodocious but i think thats really it…he keeps the dope metaphors coming all through the album
Album is very dope. I disagree with the author wanting easy yves saint to dumb down his lyrics. Wordplay and production were on point imo.
Simply… Greatness…
One of the most complete albums i’ve heard in a long time… good work. and Hip Hop DX reviewer? do you listen to music or do you just skim through it?
Peace.
havent heard a lot of good albums this year.
this though, is def in my top 5!
good stuff
oh and i give it a 5
Normally when i see artist all over blogs i tend to ignore them. But these dudes are from my city so i took a solid listen and wow gotta say I’m impressed with the package head to toe. good beats and raps, and dope videos. I fuck with these dudes.
dope shit, very dope shit. niggas kinda came outta nowhere and made one of the best albums of this year. #clapforem
CAN YOU SAY: R E P L A Y V A L U E… If you feel the lyrics are too complex then I would suggest you go put on some gucci mayne. The MC reminds me of a ‘Kool’ Lupe Fiasco. I may have to listen to the song more than once but with the production on this CLASSIC album.. WHY WOULDNT I LISTEN TO EVERY SONG OVER AND OVER. 5/5 Classic album… Definately of the year, MAYBE OF ALL TIME. [Yeah I said it… Kill Me!]
Can you say: REPLAY VALUE… If you feel the lyrics are too complex then I would suggest you go put on some gucci mayne. The MC reminds me of a ‘kool’ Lupe Fiasco. I may have to listen to the song more than once but with the production on this CLASSIC album.. WHY WOULDNT I LISTEN TO EVERY SONG OVER AND OVER. 5/5 Classic album… Definately one of the best albums of the year, MAYBE OF ALL TIME. [Yeah I said it… Kill Me!]
I haven’t stopped listening to this album yet. This is a very well put together album from top to bottom. There isn’t one track I skip. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these guys. By the way on Toast I believe it was more of how the future will be for the group, they niggas, and family and how everybody is celebrating the success of everyone.
youre all gassed
i think its a classic…..in my humble opinion