Statik Selektah & Termanology
1982 (Brisk)The East Coast’s coldest rappers flocked to Statik Selektah’s crisp production after 2008’s Stick 2 the Script, but the Lawrence, Mass., native found a partner in Termanology, a sly, dexterous Lawrence rapper who’s long shown promise but never had the proper platform to pop. On 1982, the duo flies off the handle from the tip, “The World Renown” flowing a slinky string production that thrusts Termanology’s ever-changing flow onto the main stage. Things get grimy shortly thereafter with “People Are Running” and “Things I Dream,” boosted by some filthy slop from M.O.P.’s Lil’ Fame. 1982 starts to sound like a showcase for the sake of showcase by the time of the Sunday afternoon chorus croons on “Wedding Bells,” with the sped-up soul of “Tell Me Lies,” street-hop sampling “The Street Life,” and boom-bap’d “The Radio” demonstrating little semblance of continuity. Dudes have talent to burn, but 1982 still spins on the compilation tip. (Wed., 12mid, Fuze)
This article appears in March 18 • 2011.