PRhyme – PRhyme 2 Album Review

Story posted March 23, 2018 in Arts & Entertainment by Jerome Taylor.

PRhyme 2 is the second collaborative effort between DJ Premier (the “P” in the duo’s name) and Royce da 5’9” (the “R” in the duo’s name) following 2014’s well received PRhyme. PRhyme 2 contains all the sounds a hip hop “purist” will love; Royce delivers punchline after punchline over ear-grabbing beats provided by Premier. Though the album showcases these two legends’ strengths, it also highlights their weaknesses as they don’t put nearly enough effort into the creation of their choruses.

On the project, Royce is laser focused on showing that he is one of the most technically sound rappers in the game right now. Whether if he’s telling a story on “Black History” or crafting intricate rhyme patterns, “Competition fell hard 'cause I got real bars like barbarians/Y'all looking like Mel Farr, ball-carrying/While I'm chilling abroad with a broad that's Bulgarian,” on “Respect My Gun.”  Royce shows that he is an exceptional lyricist throughout the project and showcases why he has been regarded highly in hip hop for almost two decades.

DJ Premier lives up to his status as an icon in hip hop history on this project. The group decided to solely use AntMan Wonder’s music as their canvas on this project (Adrian Younge’s music was used similarly on the first PRhyme project). Premier showcases how easily he can grab listener’s attention with his beats and Premier’s ability to scratch will stand out because it is so uncommon to hear that in today’s hip hop landscape. But, he also uses vocal samples from seemingly every era of hip hop throughout the album that shows how versed his ear is. Premier exhibits his versatility on the project, creating an energetic beat on “1 of the Hardest” and then creating a much smoother and laid-back beat on “Flirt.”

The group shows off their experience, but occasionally miss the mark when it comes to crafting enjoyable songs. This is due in large parts to Royce’s focus on putting on excellent lyrical displays during his verses, while seemingly disregarding the need for a chorus.  On “W.O.W. (With Out Warning),” the chorus is completely constructed of samples of other rappers’ verses. Almost every attempt at a memorable chorus on this project misses the mark. While many will say the emphasis on the chorus in hip hop today has led to a watered-down product, the lack of memorable choruses on PRhyme 2 show how important it is to crafting enjoyable songs.

PRhyme 2 shows how much ability the two veterans have left in the tank. Royce Da 5’9” and DJ Premier prove that hip hop is no longer a “young man’s sport” and that rapping at a high level is a skill that should still be desired.

However, rhea lack of high quality choruses diminishes the enjoy ability of the project, even if the skills both men possess still need to be revered.

Rating: 6/10

 

Jerome Taylor is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email
jerometaylor91697@gmail.com.