90s hip hop. Yeah we all love it and we all miss it. But the whole nostalgia for “90s hip hop” is overrated to an extent because times change, as they should. Plus, the term “90s hip hop” is so broad as innumerable regions of the U.S. were crafting great hip hop music that was unique to them, so judging something as “90s hip hop” is a term that even I admittedly overuse. However, when it comes to Propo’88 & Kick Back’s recent release Cosmic Trippin’ it is inevitable that it will receive comparisons to 90s hip hop, which is understandable, but please judge these artists on their entire, unique sound rather than put them into yet another category, for Cosmic Trippin’ is a gritty project full of raw energy and integrity that is well-deserving of its own praise.
The style of the old-school, New York City, boom-bap hip hop that was the linchpin to groups such as Brand Nubian, Onyx and other underground, hardcore hip hop groups, I suppose you can say, is the underlying feel that is expressed in this album. Propo’88 and Kick Back are two indubitably talented beatsmiths with a knack for making basement vibes that only roughen up the tracks even more so than they already are. Low-toned samples with repetitive notes from horns, keys or the like provide the foundation for a raw, rough-cut instrumental to take center stage next to the featured emcee.
While the first half of the album contains featured artists rapping on the almost low-quality instrumentals, the second half of Cosmic Trippin’ sees these beats being exposed barren. The true music of Propo’88 and Kick Back gets its own chance to shine singularly as emcees are left off the final set of beats and the drums kick along to some heavy bass and particularly jazzy samples.
While I will admit there is a comparable sound to Propo’88 and Kick Back’s Cosmic Trippin’ and to East-coast hip hop albums released in the 90s, there’s a new-age sound implemented to these old-school styled productions. Nonetheless, anybody trapped in the 90s would go bananas over this album, as should any hip hop fan because Cosmic Trippin’ contains a familiar hip hop sound that several listeners can enjoy and thoroughly appreciate.
7/10
