Good music, regardless of genre, sometimes seems to get overlooked or underappreciated; whether it is because of restrictions (limited radio/TV exposure), fickle listeners or a number of other reasons. However, when an album as vibrant and invigorating as The Formula comes out, it is hard to avoid, or at least difficult to understand why others aren’t paying attention.
Following up from their phenomenal first meeting of the musical minds, the highly acclaimed duo of 9th Wonder and Buckshot reunite once again and work their magic over the course of 13 musical explorations. On this, their second foray into the tag team domain, Buck’s smooth yet rugged flow seems to be even more tightly-knit with 9th’s soulful production. Go All Out, the album’s superb first single, sees the dynamic duo pick up right where they left off three years ago, with Buckshot’s somewhat updated swagger working to fine effect over a pulsing horn and string-laced concoction.
While it is a two-man party, some select guests drop by to lend their considerable talents. The sultry tones of gifted songbird Keisha Shontelle are given an almost robotic treatment, which works quite well on the more laidback tune Whassup With U. The somewhat funky vibe of Hold It Down is the perfect opportunity for consummate wordsmith Talib Kweli to deliver an inspired (and typically hyperactive/motivated) verse.
The BDI Thug spits with a vengeance throughout the course of The Formula, most notably on the authoritative No Future, an intoxicating blend of beats and rhymes. ‘Shot takes young bucks to the stage, stating, “You feel like the world’s against you/cause you don’t make dollars, but you don’t make sense duke/think about it, bring a logical point-of-view/when you bust them things, ain’t no way you ain’t on no news.”
Grown man talk is further explored on the apropos closer, Man Listen. With the Black Moon front-man charting his life’s progression from working class grinder to respected recording artist; “Who Got Da Props, Enta Da Stage/from us on the blocks of minimum wage” and “no more oatmeal for real, steak and eggs on my plate.”
Do 9th Wonder and Buckshot reinvent the wheel with their latest release? Probably not. But with their chemistry (pun intended) more finely tuned than before and their creativity at a high you won’t notice or find any fault.
A rare moment where rugged and smooth merge to captivating effect.
Don’t sleep on this gem!
Available through Duck Down Music
