Monumental

Fire Fire Fire

this is COMPLETE OLDSCHOOL! THIS IS THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!! the beats, guest appearances… listen to "night time" or "Roses" and try not to bob your head. This is my vote for album of the year. pete, ya'll!

There was one track that stood out above all others on this album. That's Hard. Would have liked more of this vibe. There are only a couple of other tracks I'd even give a spin

Four years since their last release, Smif-n-Wessun return with a suitably titled fourteen-song offering of Bucktown brilliance. Boasting exclusive production and expert turntablism from the Chocolate Boy Wonder, Monumental makes its moniker proud every step of the way. The unlikely trio prepared an audible meal that should have the hungry going back for second and third helpings. This album starts off strong with title track, “Monumental”; Pete Rock refreshing our memories that the gems he drops are verbal as well. Tek and Steele deliver as expected; hardcore, though contemplative raps on street savvy subjects. There’s no denying the skills are still sharp as they maintain the unfaltering pace Pete Rock sets on the soundtrack. Steady intensity considered; there are plenty of peaks in the voyage. “Top of the World” featuring Memphis Bleek is one of these, with a victorious energy that’s infectious. Shortly past mid-album lives a downright danceable “Do It” featuring the obscure Hurricane G, who comes off to sounds reminiscent of the break beat years. Veterans in hip-hop, the triad could have easily carried this project on their own shoulders. But there are only three tracks; “Fire”, “Go Off”, and “Time To Say”, without features. Still, they invited heavyweights like Bun B, Raekwon, Freeway and Black Rob to the assist roster, who each contribute something unique and harmonious. Also memorable is “That’s Hard” appropriately featuring fellow Duck Down kin Sean Price and Yonkers’ own Styles-P. “Night Time” featuring Buckshot; on which Pete Rock once again blesses the microphone, is perfect for cruising the streets after dark. Tracks like “This One” and “Feel Me” with Top Dog and Rock of Heltah Skeltah respectively, may just prompt you to pull out your old Boot Camp Clik albums and keep the vibe going. Monumental doesn’t play like a Smif n Wessun album with Pete Rock beats, or a Pete Rock album with Smif n Wessun kicking rhymes. The Soul Brother Number One pulled from various genres to stage an exhilarating ride from Mount Vernon to Brooklyn. Each brings an upgraded, branded contribution to the table to form a new entity; still rugged, but older, wiser and crisper.

This album is a great listen; Pete Rock is on point with the beat- Smif-N-Wesson spits that Brooklyn Shh as usual. The guest appearances on the album is also on POINT! I am really bumping the the whole album from start to finish but i love the track Do It with Hurricane G..NASTY

Tek and Steele both sound old and washed up. I should have expected that something was wrong after their weak performance on Statlik Selektah's album. Is that why there are so many guests on here? They all outshine them, even Hurricane G! As for Pete, he was never a great rapper but his beats make up for the weak rhymes here. A collabo like this would have been better fifteen years ago.

When I first heard that this collaboration was being done I thought I was dreaming. I didn’t take me a second thought to purchase the album. Especially, since Pete Rock’s New York’s Finest was so dope. No, it not “Da’ Shinin’” and no one should it expect it to be. That was sixteen years. These dudes probably have kids in high school, so their rap styles have to elevate. Nothing brings me more pleasure to my soul than to turn up my car radio and shut down lyrically lacking low quality nonsense. Keep real NY rap alive!!!

DOPE RECORD! ALL THE WAY THREW!

I have been waiting a long time to hear raw beats from Pete Rock. This is real Hip Hop ... Im tired of hearing about money fame and your younger years of getting shot. How about spitting Hip Hop and create that vibe back from the 90's ... Pete Rock Smif N Wesum thank you for one of the best albums purchased this year..... I had to buy and support this album because it was the real music from the heart! A true Hip Hop Fan

I guess I'm just super-old school and set in my ways. I only liked the track with Rae. After growing up on albums like the Main Ingredient and Dah Shinin', this simply doesn't measure up. Dope concept, but Pete and Smif n Wessun are both much better accompanied by CL and The Beatminerz, respectively. I think a lot of heads on here are just glad to see some true schoolers still at it, but I can't listen to this. Too many guests, their rhyme patterns and cadences aren't fit for today, and the tracks are frankly lazy.