CD REVIEW: HI-TEK, HI-TEKNOLOGY 2: THE CHIP
Nov 28, 2006 2:39 PM Brolin Winning (Writer)
Best known for his work with Talib Kweli in the duo Reflection Eternal, producer Hi-Tek has gone from underground favorite to mainstream hit-maker over the years. Though he doesn't have the instant name recognition as some of his peers, he has provided choice musical accompaniment to some of the biggest stars in hip-hop. Five years after the release of Hi-Teknology (Priority), he returns for The Chip, connecting with a wide range of rappers from both sides of the sonic spectrum.
While he also gets busy on the microphone himself, most of the vocal duties come from an A-list of MCs. Ghostface spits a typically stellar verse on "Josephine" and Busta Rhymes gets rowdy on the high-octane "March," while Nas, Common and the late, great J Dilla team up on "Music for Life." Other standout cuts include the soulful Manhattan anthem "Where It Started At (NY)" with Jadakiss, Papoose and Raekwon, and the mellow, piano-propelled "Can We Go Back," featuring Talib and rising songstress Ayak. Though he doesn't have a signature sound, he knows how to make a quality record, and comes through with a very solid effort here.
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
