Big O & Tranzformer bridge classic and experimental hip-hop on “Dichotomy.”
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TOP 5
5. Insperation
“Insperation” by Tranzformer is the kind of instrumental that practically dares you to pick up a mic and spit. With a perfect amount of knock to shake the walls of the same venue where Eminem bodied Poppa Doc in 8 Mile, the track balances raw energy with a soulful elegance. Smooth background vocals give it a vintage speakeasy vibe, while the drums hit hard enough to keep your head locked in a steady nod. Big O cleverly weaves in start-stop moments that let the beat breathe and give listeners a chance to marvel at the craftsmanship. It’s the kind of beat hip-hop purists and freestyle fanatics alike will eat up.
4. Fed Up
“Fed Up (Remix),” produced by Tranzformer and Big O, is a compelling fusion of smooth and aggressive elements that delivers a layered, genre-blending experience. The beat is calm and soulful on the surface, laced with soothing undertones and melodic textures, but it hits hard with crisp, thumping drums and a head-nodding tempo that keeps the energy alive.
What really stands out is the contrast: the hook sounds like someone reaching their boiling point—fiery, almost unhinged, as if ready to throw hands with the world. Fashawn enters with a more composed energy, delivering sharp bars about self-reliance and the hustle, dismissing the idea of waiting for handouts. He adds a sly twist in his second verse, flipping to a slower, melodic tone as he talks about stealing someone’s girl with cool confidence.
Altogether, “Fed Up (Remix)” is a unique track that thrives in its clash of styles.
3. Trade It All
“Trade It All” by Big O is the kind of instrumental that makes you want to pack up your desk, book a flight, and finally take that vacation you’ve been dreaming about. From the jump, it features soothing background vocals that immediately calm your nerves, paired with punchy drums that hit just hard enough to energize your body. There’s a dramatic flair running through the track that adds emotional depth, while the tempo keeps things moving with purpose. Altogether, the production has a luxurious, escapist quality that fills your ears—and your mindset—with nothing but good vibes.
If you told me 2000s Dr. Dre produced this, I would believe you.
2. Culmination
“Culmination” is a powerful and soulful offering produced by Tranzformer and Big O, with razor-sharp DJ scratches by gman that include samples from Common. The production walks a beautiful tightrope between luxury and grit—lush, regal instrumentation layered with dusty, head-nodding scratches that ground the track in the raw essence of hip-hop.
L.O.U. comes through with laser-focused bars, rapping with conviction about staying locked in on his dreams rather than chasing distractions, and the fulfillment he’s found through self-discovery. His delivery is sharp, commanding the beat with punchy confidence. P-Rawb follows with a smooth but assertive verse about rejecting negativity, the synergy he shares with L.O.U., and the strength that comes from being self-assured. His calm tone carries a weight that cuts through, giving the song even more depth.
Altogether, “Culmination” isn’t just a track—it’s an anthem for staying grounded and focused while striving for greatness.
1. Cali
“Cali,” produced by Tranzformer, is a soulful time machine of a track that radiates authentic vintage vibes from start to finish. The production channels a smooth, 80s aesthetic—something you could easily imagine playing during a stylish, sun-soaked montage in an Eddie Murphy film. Layered with jazzy undertones and rich textures, the beat has an elegance that’s both nostalgic and timeless. The soulful vocals elevate the vibe even further, wrapping the listener in warmth. But what really gives “Cali” its unique flavor is the unexpected addition of raw, off-balance rap adlibs, along with classic DJ scratches, that inject a dose of street grit. For anyone with an old soul or a love for golden-era flair, this one hits all the right notes.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
1. Big O – Glass Butterfly (4/5)
2. Tranzformer – Cali (Ft. Streets) (4.5/5)
3. Big O – Trade It All (4.5/5)
4. Tranzformer – Insperation (4.5/5)
5. Big O – The Right Way (4/5)
6. Tranzformer – Soul Good (4/5)
7. Big O – W. Century BLVD (4/5)
8. Tranzformer – Gravy (4/5)
9. Big O – Count On Me (4/5)
10. Culmination (Ft. P-Rawb & L.O.U. & Decksterror) (4.5/5)
11. Fed Up (Remix) (Ft. Fashawn & G-Rocka) (3.5/5)
12. Run it Up (Ft. Benny Canales) (4/5)
13. Culmination (Bonus Track) – Instrumental (4.5/5)
14. Fed Up (Bonus Track) – Instrumental (4/5)
15. Run it up (Bonus Track) – Instrumental (4/5)
RGM RATING
(83%)
Dichotomy is a testament to Big O and Tranzformer’s ability to balance tradition with innovation. They honor hip-hop’s roots through sharp DJ scratches, gritty drums, and timeless samples, while simultaneously pushing boundaries with soulful textures, hints of other genres, experimental sound design, and unpredictable skips that keep listeners on their toes. The result is a well-rounded, genre-bending experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly bold.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
