9th Wonder
The Solution
Release Date: Nov 13, 2012
Genre(s): Rap
Record label: Duck Down Music
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Album Review: The Solution by 9th Wonder
Fairly Good, Based on 5 Critics
Based on rating 7/10
After working out their Chemistry on their collaborative 2005 release and offering The Formula on their 2008 return, rapper Buckshot and producer 9th Wonder reunite and offer The Solution on this 2012 release. If you're a whack rapper who's hung up on getting paid, then the solution this duo pushes forward is "Stop Rapping," a key cut that features the choice line "Everything ain't for everyone kid, stop rap. " Throughout the album, Buckshot drives his truckload of disgust toward the current state of hip-hop, pining for the days of Black Sheep and Pete Rock, but unlike his like-minded competition, the rapper leads by example rather than just speaking ill of the current crop.
Based on rating 7/10
As a well-respected producer, the always musically adventurous 9th Wonder is never one to shy away from experimentation. In joining forces with scrappy rap vet Buckshot for The Solution, the North Carolina-based music maker mashes up his trademark percussion-driven, soul sample-laden production with the street grit, Boot Camp Clik-styled flow. Being that this is their third full-length collaboration together (following 2005's The Chemistry and 2008's The Formula), the duo no doubt have the resulting boom-bap down pat.
Based on rating 3.5/5
From spearheading the Golden Era’s Black Moon within the greater Boot Camp Clik to present day, Buckshot has maintained a vested interest towards the underground’s preservation as both artist and co-founder of Duck Down’s enterprise. Amongst the label’s various business dealings, North Carolina producer 9th Wonder’s Jamla imprint has granted a platform and financial backing for uncompromising music – a union beneficial to all involved. Continuing their ongoing metaphor for cooking up in the lab (precursors being Chemistry and The Formula), 9th Wonder and Buckshot’s latest shared vision has resulted in The Solution.
Based on rating C-
Buckshot and 9th Wonder are seasoned vets; the former led the gritty Black Moon crew, the latter produced the beats for rap group Little Brother. Citing influences like DJ Premier and Pete Rock, 9th Wonder emulated the old school with soulful, sample-heavy production– but Buckshot was the old school. Thus, their first collaboration, 2005’s The Chemistry, felt like a natural union.
Opinion: Excellent
Fitting together like a suit of playing cards, the 12 tracks off of 9th Wonder and Buckshot’s The Solution must be shuffled thoroughly to be understood. Or else, the danger of confusing subtlety for sloth might have you overlooking what is this talented tag team’s best collaboration to date?easily overtaking the formulaic drivel of 2008’s The Formula and just slightly improving upon the bond they forged with 2005’s Chemistry. It has been four years since 9th Wonder and Buckshot last paired up, and more than 20 years since Buck released his first album, but neither industry heavyweight appears to be slowing down.
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