Big O and Tranzformer make a dynamic duo in “the art of duplexity.”
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TOP 5
5. Cake Mode
On the real, the reason I love “Cake Mode” is because it gives me NBA Jam vibes.
Technically, I am a 90s baby. I grew up on Martin, Sunny Delight, and big-ass cell phones. With that being said, “Cake Mode” gives me 90s feels. Not only does the instrumental have an old-school rhythm, but it also features both dramatic sounds that you might hear on a Boyz in the Hood-type movie and a melody that makes me want to whoop ass with the ’93 Suns on NBA Jam. Damn, where’s Marty McFly’s Delorean when I need it?
4. Dream Walkin’
“Dream Walkin'” is a pleasant soundscape that never lets up in wistful energy.
“Dream Walkin'” starts off this project very serenely. The song boasts an easygoing tempo, bloomy elements, some well-needed thumps, and most importantly, an essence that encourages listeners to be dreamers. I’m convinced that “Dream Walkin'” can turn the grungiest environment into the closest thing to heaven (Even scary-ass O Block).
3. Hi-Life
“Hi-Life” is a high-quality instrumental.
“Hi-Life” is appropriately titled. The song boasts vibes that would make you want to roll up and lay back on a hammock, but at the same time, vibes that almost feel jubilant in nature. Like, this song should make you feel both more zooted and prouder of your life accomplishments.
2. Soul Bangin
“Soul Bangin” was made for all of the freestylers of the world.
I felt like I was taken to church, a recording booth that is on fire, and the 60s while I was listening to “Soul Bangin.” The instrumental’s competitive nature mixed with its soulful roots makes for an experience that is just as therapeutic as it is fierce. If you give me two Henny shots, a great view, and this beat, I can get off some stupendous raps.
1. Believe In L.O.V.E.
This album enters a pocket at the end that is so damn soulful.
I may not believe in love, but I do believe in soul samples; “Believe in L.O.V.E.” has a very powerful one. Throughout the song, you will hear this crying woman say “I know you don’t believe in love” over and over again. What’s interesting is how she never changes her tone, but the beat changes its tone over and over again, which almost makes her words shift from pessimistic-sounding to optimistic-sounding. All in all, “Believe In L.O.V.E.” hits too hard, feels too emotional, and is too old-school to ignore.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Dream Walkin’ (5/5)
2. Blast Off (3/5)
3. Bi-Coastin’ (4/5)
4. Robot Girl (4/5)
5. Cake Mode (4/5)
6. Smoke Rosin (3/5)
7. Hi-Life (5/5)
8. Soul Bangin (5/5)
9. Believe in L.O.V.E. (5/5)
10. Day Dreaming (4/5)
11. Celestial Sphere (4/5)
12. Lost in the crates (4/5)
RGM RATING
(B)
Here’s my advice for you: Press play on this project and let the instrumentals take the wheel. the art of duplexity (beat tape) boasts a bunch of instrumentals that I find to be bedazzling, soothing, hard-hitting, and refreshingly old-school. While most will make you nod your head, almost all of them will encourage your mind to do some reminiscing and deep thinking. All in all, I feel this project full of instrumentals explore a world in which production speaks directly to several of our personalities.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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