Da’ Big Playback’s first Hyphy review!

Taking a look at the whole “Hyphy” movenment, it’s influence can be stretched across much of Northern Cali to a point where the style can get a little over saturated.(it’s become quite a lifestyle… lets not make it a fad) Call it a subculture within Hip-Hops rich culture of creativity boasting its own style of speech, rhythm, style and swagger. There’s a lot of movement goin’ on in the bay. But where do you begin? There’s just so much material coming outta the Bay and there’s only a handful of cats many of us can afford to listen to. Sometimes the word on the street ain’t enough in the bay… you gotta have longevity and paid dues to get noticed outta the hay stack. I got mad respect for E-40, a lotta props for acts like Mistah Fab, Keak da Sneak, San Quinn and Mac Dre. (can’t forget Too $hort, to name a few no doubt) A lot of times, when one of these cats brings in a protege of talents, its hit or miss. Other times- if they’re backed by a major label with credibility, they mean serious business with a chance to shine.

Longtime Collaborator and Producer Rick Roc unveiled Fairfield CA’s very own “The Federation” to the scene a few years back with their hit single “Hyphy” that gathered up commercial play nation wide. (considered a new school classic by many) With the Hyphy movement in full swing, The Feds are back with “It’s Whateva!” which in my opinion is The Bay areas version of (such east coast acts) Onxy, a little bit of M.O.P. and Busta Bus cartoonish character. I gotta say, the albums full of hype and gets the excitement goin’… ala Hyphy! (lol)

I’ve picked up 2 kinds of Hyphy albums throughout the years… 1 of them are those copycat imitations with guys following the trend, (with no creativity) goin’ crazy and talkin’ outta there ass. There’s a lotta that goin’ around sad to say. Then there’s those handful of albums that are so originally outside the box that solidifies the Hyphy culture with its unique style. The Federations “It’s Whateva’!” is fast, hyped up, and so new (not to mention original) to my brain I couldn’t help enjoy the album in it’s entirety! Most of all- the trio is havin’ fun on the mic and makin’ music. I always figured E-40’s “My ghetto report card” was a blueprint in producing high quality Hyphy albums as a whole… (with the help of Rick Roc) The Feds have maintained that quality of sound and style.

Peep game… (wrecognize game!) Rick Roc laced the fellas with dope beats… dare I say it? Rick Roc’s like the Timbaland of the Bay area with bugged out synthesizer patterns, chopped and mashed up beats in a wild pattern. The album is all fun and what more could you expect? It’s somewhat a style of choice I guess. Take “Get Naked You Beezy” for example… the opening track is so wild and outta control that the lyrics fit just right in complimenting to it’s organized madness and excitement. “College Girls” is a step above the rest… when local hood rat hoochie momma’s isn’tenough… bang a college chick! The single is as hilarious ans it is entertaining! The art of scrapin’ is in full effect as E-40 drops by on “Scraper 2 a Benz” (the track is off the chain) and Al B. Sure’s night and day is transformed into “My Rimz” (…poke out my drop top Cheverolet!)

What more can I expect from these cats? I had fun just listening to “It’s whateva’!” and I am sure they had fun makin’ it! A solid effort no doubt… theres hundreds of hyphy albums to choose from accross the bay but theres a handfull truly worthy of it’s title. Follow The Feds (E-40’s, Mac Dre and Mistah Fab, again- to name a few!) blueprint of success and keep the hyphy culture strong… don’t play it out and make somethin’ happen! YAdaDAmeAN?!?!

18 Dummy!

1. Playtime Is Over
2. 18 Dummy - (Skit)
3. 18 Dummy
4. Get Naked You Beezy
5. College Girl - (Skit, with Pimpin Rico)
6. College Girl
7. Got Me F***ed Up
8. From the Bay
9. My Rimz
10. Happy I Met You - (with Snoop Dogg)
11. Scraper 2 a Benz - (with E-40)
12. She Go - (with Marty James)
13. New Baby Daddy
14. We On Yo Line - (with Cashis)
15. Black Roses
16. Jail Skit - (with Battle Locco)
17. Fly Away
18. When I Was Yo Man - (Skit, with Donnie Baby)
19. When I Was Yo Man
20. Bang Bang - (with Undaflow/Eldorado Red/Battle Locco/Tick/Mank Manson/Rick Rock/Tony Hard Times)
21. Break Your Face