Artist: SnowgoonsTitle: German LugersRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Rashaan Meador
The world of Hip-Hop has been increasing and, at the
same time shrinking. The fact that a team of German
producers would be making beats for US artists is a
testament to this statement. This bridging of two
sides of the world is done through the latest effort
from SnowGoons, a group of four who have helped
provide the soundscapes for a number of artists. The
album German Lugers (Babygrande) succeeds and fails
with the same formula-underground beats paired with
underground artists. Some of the combinations work,
but a majority of them don’t.
There are a bevy of guest appearances on this album makes it look like a 90’s Hip-Hop reunion. Along
with the production style, you get the feeling that
you opened up a time capsule that was closed up prior
to 1994.There are some outstanding verses from the
likes of Sean Price, O.C., Ed. OG and El Da Sensai
(Artifacts). Songs like “Nothing You Say” featuring
the legendary Craig G really bring out the gritty
production. Where this album falls short are the
misplaced guests appearances and the other emcees that
fill out the album.
“It’s Yours” featuring Afu-Ra is a prime example of a
flow not fitting a track. It starts to get worse when
the other emcees start in with dated lyrics and
concepts. “Gunz” sounds like a cross between a bad
Eminem and Gravediggaz song. The raw lyrics are
appreciated, but get mundane after the 8th or 9th
song. The same can go for the production, but the
good outweighs the bad in that category. In all, the
effort will be appreciated by those who love this era
of Hip-Hop, but hated by those who choose not to revel
in the past too much.
