REPEAT OFFENDERS: 95 Degree Angles, Pyramid Scheme, Snitch On (Hidden Track)
When it comes to ear catching albums and mixtapes, I have to be honest and say that I’m very bar bias. I look for artists that are very creative with metaphors, similes and concepts. In 2007, I was looking for those ideals within CHH. I heard several artists, but I felt many either came off too preachy or too corny. One of the few artists that I felt never came across that way was Phanatik. Being my favorite member of Cross Movement, I always loved his wordplay. I remember following him and hearing of his album drop “Crime & Consequences.” In viewing his catalog, I knew this would be his best project to date.
The album starts off with one of the best intros to date with “World’s Largest Prison.” This intro does three things all at once. First, it explains the idea of the world being “behind the bars” of sin with an excellent analogy. Second, he sets up the concept of the whole album. Third, he allows you to feel like you are apart of the prison and jury of his trail all at the same time.
From the intro, he goes directly into the first track “Snitch.” At the time, Snitching was frowned upon within the urban culture. I like how Phanatik flipped the term and become a “snitch for his savior.” After hearing the first few bars, “As God as my Witness, I am God’s witness,” I knew I was going to be in for a great ride. The next track, moves to “Top 10.” The interesting thing about this track, is how Phanatik teaches us the ten commandments and breaks them down so effortlessly. “95 Degree Angles” is one of Phanatik’s best tracks ever! The way he told a complete story surrounding the numbers 9 and 5 was amazing! “Pyramid Scheme” was a track that was so ahead of its time. I love how he started the track off by explaining that it could be the influence of a global pyramid scheme that is making us all act foolish. He tackles some good points about the music and porn industry and their effects on culture. His “hand eye coordination” bar was very creative and/or convicting for many listeners. “Mason Dixon” was also a very controversial track as well. He speaks on the physiological impact of the north vs. the south within our music and culture. For some, it could look like he’s hating on the south, but then follows up the track with Tedashii with “North & South.” Phanatik then goes all in with a southern heavy production “Ready to Go.”
As I look back, this album stands the time. This project was an originator of true concept projects. As mentioned before; there were many topics that Phanatik spoke on that were ahead of his time, that we are just now undressing within current hip hop. Some of his beats do sound dated now, but they don’t take away from the overall message. The idea and heart behind the album, can reach anyone and doesn’t come off too preachy or corny at all. It’s projects like this that feed my hunger for creativity and bars, but also can feed me on a higher level of the gospel. If you’re a CHH fan and you haven’t listened to this project yet, then you’re committing a “crime” and you’re suffering from the “consequence” of missing out on a gem within CHH history. Spread The Soup!
You can check out the album >>>>>> HERE!
