E Reece and Core Elements
L.I.S.n 2 This Live.In.Studio
Elevated Mental Recordings
6/10
The meeting of the minds between two artists can go either way. For Los Angeles emcee E Reece, stepping in the studio with the soulful, hip-hop band, Core Elements will hopefully go somewhere- like to the top of the charts.
So far it has a magical concept: take tracks already recorded with beats from previous producers and turn it into something original. Unfortunately, after picking a part the collection of songs, the album downplays this exciting concept and begs to do more with it.
For the introduction, a booming, deep voice says “The music is all around us. All we have to do is listen.” These words of wisdom segue into an old-school hip-hop throwback mixed with a heavy jazz melody. It is pretty chill for a studio recording and maybe a little too chill.
There is a strong channeling of Earth, Wind and Fire in “Well, Well, Well” featuring Chante Carmel. The talented star from A Different World and former Broadway performer in Rent has remarkable chops but it is not spotlighted in this track. Overall, it is very funky and the rhymes over the bass line give it more flavor. Towards the end of the track, E Reece makes it perfectly clear that he’s not all about the bling, guns and females. Simply put, it’s just not him. He joins artists that stay true to the art instead of the excess which is hard to come by in the hip-hop industry these days.
A surprise Biggie sample pops up in the track entitled, “In Love.” The smooth-talking emcee tries to holla real quick and briefly uses a jazzed up version of “Get Money” accompanying his rhymes. It is a charming song especially with the saxophone setting the mood but the ultimate kings of soul are Marvin Gaye and Barry White. Think of this as a Gym Class Heroes-style tribute to those great ones.
Set to a sleepy jazz backdrop, “Mic Check” channels the timeless hip-hop “call and response” but it doesn’t do much from there. While the song claims to be hip-hop at its purest form, it lacks the push that could have catapulted this track to another level; from pure to straight up nasty and edgy.
The first of three interludes, “Jazzercise,” highlights the instrumental talents of Jamon Laws who does his thang on the saxophone. “Hot Feet” and “Sweat Box” are the other two small tracks that showcase Core Elements, a band with jazz oozing out of their talented fingertips.
E Reece does not play in “Everything” when he name drops like crazy. This all-encompassing song gives much respect and love to many artists in the game but for some reason, the beat behind it does not match up to the message. The turntables take a backseat to the brass instruments and it does not feel right with the song. He misses the boat on this one.
However, he gets back on course with the fly track, “How We Do.” It is stronger vocally and the song is well put together. E Reece has mad swagger on this one and the band backs him up well, leaving behind a refreshing sound. E Reece keeps it going with “Keepin’ It Movin,” with the turn-table scratchin,’ head-bobbin’ melody. No doubt, he is pure hip-hop- channeling the right energy and flow on this studio track. The song pushes the right buttons and the end product is mad crazy.
Now let’s talk remixes. The Bautista remix to “In Love” is ill. The gritty nature, 90s throwback makes it something special to vibe to and truly takes on a new meaning. It would be hard not to fall in love with this beat- pun intended. On a similar note, “Mic Check” (Genre Jazz Remix) is revived with a heavier beat and draws rightful attention to itself. However, unlike “In Love,” it stays safe with the repetitive rhythm and does not really transcend the original as much.
While E Reece presents some gems such as “Keepin’ it Movin,” “How We Do,” and “In Love” (Bautista Remix)” the album lacks consistent force as a powerhouse hip-hop album. Pay close attention and actually listen as it falls flat and monotonous at some points. Even with some glimmers of hope, that is still not enough to win over loyal hip-hop fans.
-Gail Navarro