Album: 9th Wonder – Dream Merchant Vol. 2

Like many talented producers, Durham, North Carolina’s 9th Wonder has remained a cult favourite with a street-level buzz, despite a client list which ranges from Jay-Z and Destiny’s Child, to the Boot Camp Clik and Jean Grae. With his blowing up to a major level imminent, the gifted beat-maker soldiers on with the follow-up to the refreshing Dream Merchant Vol. 1 from 2005, with a line-up of quality guest artists taking on vocal duties.

Luckily, 9th has the foresight to stick to his roots, showcasing promising up-coming artists like Big Remo and the Great Novej (of the Allies) on the emotional Reminisce (Take Time). As well as the soulful posse cut Merchant of Dreams, which features lethal punchlines from the Embassy, Skyzoo and Torae, who all eat the mic alive.

His expanding clientele and ever-improving skills behind the boards affords him the ability to have more established artists bless his tracks as well. Don’t sleep on the excellent Saved, which finds the perfect marriage between the rugged delivery of Saigon, the smooth mic control of Joe Scudda and the mesmerizing production of 9th Wonder. The trio of Mos Def, Jean Grae and Memphis Bleek have some big shoes to fill on Brooklyn In My Mind, following up from the classic tracks by the Crooklyn Dodgers collective, however they do an impressive job.

Even though 9th Wonder opted to move on from his former group Little Brother, it is good to hear the streamlined duo of Big Pooh and Phonte join their former partner-in-crime on No Time To Chill. With all of the breezy production on hand luckily 9th also finds time to let some exceedingly talented non-Hip Hop vocalists display their skills over his concoctions. The rich vocals of Keisha Shontelle shine alongside Justus League member Chaundon on the laidback Sunday.

While there is a measure of truth to the claims by some critics and fans that 9th Wonder’s style hasn’t varied enough, with him relying too much on his signature sound, when it sounds this vibrant and raw it is hard to complain. Dream Merchant Vol. 2 brings musical nourishment to a somewhat stagnant scene.

Available Through 6 Hole Records