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Delaware is about as small as states come but there
are some things in "the first state" that
represent on a larger scale... enter DE's Big Steel
with a heartfelt collection of radio friendly cuts crafted
with precision and passion. Steel has a solid plan in
place to take him where he wants to be.
Welcome To My World jumps off with the Latin tinged
funk of Deja Vu, a chilled out slow creepin' tune to
flex on a late night drive wit' da top down. Its a crisp,
flowing track with just the right injection of Spanish
into the mix to compliment Big's effortless flow. As
with the production on all of the album's cuts, the
production is to paraphrase OutKast, so fresh and so
clean. Wasting no time showcasing his natural versatility,
Big Steel comes right back with the neck noddin' Old
Man. The vibe is in the vein of classic De La Soul,
Jungle Brother, Native Tongues style. This is the one
that's best positioned to appeal to the organic, back
packer crowd. While this is a new cut for a new age,
the feel on this one is more reminiscent of the old
school purity. Straight up, that's a huge compliment.
In that tradition of emceeing Steel steps with the battle
sounds of Head Huntin, building upon a classic Method
Man sample "for real I keep it real like a piece
of blue steel..." By now it should be evident that
this brother is talented. What hasn't been covered yet
it the album's best cut which is far and away the "ready
right now for prime time" funk of How Can They.
Everything needed for a hit record is in effect. Unfortunately
commercial radio ain't about to show any love to a rapper
from Delaware (and y'all all know that's a damn shame).
In light of that I'm reaching out to our real street
DJs to show love to this cut. I'm tellin' y'all this
one brings the funk. And it don't stop, ya keep on....
Earth Angel is too chilled out for the mixtape circuit
but its buttery velvet R&B groove also deserves
a spot on market radio. It's Hip Hop but conducive to
candles and incense and...
Alas, not all of Big Steel's inventory is aimed at
the masses. Mark There's A Catch as people's exhibit
number one. Steel enlists the help of Colassal and mega
attitude spittin' of Chuty Rock to help him bring the
ruckus. This is a hard beat and three emcees just going
for what they know. It works. It doesn't elevate into
the upper echelon of lyricism but I don't think that
was the plan to begin with. Its just ruff, rugged and
raw. Chuty comes off strong. She's one to watch out
for. I pride myself on my ear and I hear it in her.
What Big Steel has put together is a solid foundation.
You know the old addage, you can't build a strong house
without a solid foundation, blah, blah, blah. Well it
fits here cause Big Steel is on his way.
check
out Big Steel online
Reviewed by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
August, 2001
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