Swollen Members - Armed to the Teeth Review (AT3)
Post Rating:
Review: 3/5
Being a Swollen Members fan since their album Balance, I have always been impressed with their dark style accompanied by intellectual lyrics that are out of the norm of typical hip hop acts. Notable songs such as Lady Venom, Deep End, and Horrified Nights are songs to me that define the unique style that Swollen Members possess.
Their latest album "Armed to the Teeth" does stray away from their original style that I have grown to love. With the addition of Tre Nyce, who is featured on a few tracks, he seems to bring a more main-stream, poppy sound to the group. I feel they are overusing auto-tune and the lyrics on tracks such as Real P.I, Porn Star, Flyest, and Warrior are out of the norm of what you usually would hear on a Swollen Members track. With lyrics referencing 24 inch rims, excesses of money, and other cliche terms that are found on many mainstream hip pop tracks, I was unimpressed. Honestly, I don't see Tre Nyce fitting into Swollen members at all. Moka Only was a much more better fit. I am wondering if Tre Nyce is a set member in the group now?
Overall, some tracks do have that classic Swollen Members style that we have grown to love.
Recommended:
Kyla - dark, classic Swollen Members sound with strong lyrics and deep hook
Red Dragon Remix - Moka Only and Mad Child make an already strong track even better.
Meltdown - Another classic sounding Swollen Members, orchestra beat, strong hook, intelligent lyrics.
Bollywood Chick - old school sounding beat featuring Tech9
Certified Dope - Is a catchy track which reminds me of the "Too Hot" track in terms of style and delivery.
Funeral March - Love the girl's voice on the hook, another mellow track that depicts Swollen Member's classic style.
Concerto - Another orchestra/classical beat backed by strong lyrics.
Other Thoughts:
My Life - Talking about Mad Child's life, namely his battle with drug abuse, is a great track lyrically, but I think the beat doesn't match the song's message. Sounds like a more a beat meant for a party track.
I need a few more listens on "Cross Fire f/Talib Kweli" to get into it, but Prevail's verse at the end is nice.
Dumb f/Everlast and Slaine of La Coka Nostra - A strong track, the beat reminds me of a Cunninlynguists track.
