9th Wonder & Buckshot

The histories of both Buckshot and 9th Wonder in the rap game are long and storied. Buckshot’s tenure started in the early ‘90s as member of Black Moon, and as the leader of pivotal rap supergroup Boot Camp Clik. He’s continued to contribute to the greater good of the genre as a part-owner of the record label Duck Down. 9th Wonder’s jump-off came about a decade later as a member the highly-revered Little Brother. He has since maintained a favorable place amongst the most sought-after and respected producers in hip-hop.

The Solution marks the third time the two have collaborated on an album. Falling in line with time-honored tradition of deejay ‘n’ emcee combos, 9th’s imperturbable boom-bap is complimented favorably by Buck’s clear and concise delivery. And, like his vocal conveyance, Buck’s lyricism is also fairly simplistic in that it’s largely free of allegories and nonsensical word-associations. Although there are plenty of braggadocio rhymes, his most attention-grabbing verses come when he opens up about deeply personal experiences with unfaithful girlfriends and divorce. Overall though, the record’s greatest strength can be attributed to 9th’s production.

More than anything, the album is a showcase of the veteran beatsmith’s signature soul-sampled loops and phlegmatic percussion. The Solution isn’t going to cultivate any new hip-hop fans, or even make much of an impact within the genre, but it will appease old-school heads that prefer the straightforwardness of no-frills rap music.

6.0 / 10 — Nathan G. O'Brien