Release Date: June 28, 2011
As part of the legendary Boot Camp Clik, rappers Smif-n-Wessun—known individually as Tek and Steele—helped define the New York hip-hop sound emanating from the streets of Brooklyn in the early ’90s. Often unfairly deemed a Wu-Tang Clan, BCC remain something of unsung heroes in the hip-hop world. The group’s eponymous album Enta Da Stage predates such classics like Illmatic and Ready to Die yet fits nicely beside them as helping shape what came to be the definitive New York sound.
So it only makes sense that Tek and Steele would collaborate with the legendary Pete Rock, one of the mainstays of East Coast hip-hop production. The result of which is Monumental, a long-in-the-works album that features some of Rock’s most exciting tracks in years.
Though he does jump on the mic for a pair of songs, Rock is mainly relegated to the role of beatmaker, supplying Tek and Steele with tracks that play well to their strengths as emcees. Smif-n-Wessun have always shared Rock’s affinity for jazzy sampling and funky drum lines, but on Monumental, they shy away from the grimy gangster beats they usually prefer, letting Rock’s flair take hold. As a result, the album sounds much more free form, like an extended jam session between a group of like-minded artists.
The title track, which opens the album, might be the best song of the bunch. With its sampled horns sounding deliciously old school and its Nate Dogg-ish hook suggesting the album will appeal to hip-hop traditionalists, the duo start off on the right foot.
Rock sounds decidedly invigorated on Monumental. He merges his vintage sound with a myriad of other influences, including the violen-sampling “That’s Hard” and the bluesy “Night Time.” Rock has always been a versatile producer, and despite the longevity of his career, he’s had very little missteps.
While Monumental might not rank among his most seminal efforts, these tracks are indicative of each of his strengths. The album is anything but a rush job. There’s an effortlessness at play that belies Rock’s intricate construction—he’s been making it look easy for decades now.
The album’s faults, however, quickly become apparent. Monumental’s overreliance on guest appearances becomes a crutch. It’s fine when it works, like the Raekwon abetted “Prevail” and “Feel Me,” which features a notable Bun B cameo. But in other instances, the guests do little more than take up space.
Even when their Boot Camp Clik cohorts appear—rappers Buckshot, Sean Price and Rock of Heltah Skeltah show up on “Night Time” “That’s Hard,” and “Feel Me,” respectively—the end result just feels superfluous.
Smif-n-Wessun make a formidable enough duo on their own. On Monumental, they’ve got their capricious call-and-return style down to a science, riding Rock’s beats with general ease and the confidence of seasoned vets. There’s enough skill between them to sustain an entire album.
Whenever they allow such subpar emcees as Freeway and Memphis Bleek to take center stage, the album falters and quickly becomes boring. The ingeniousness of Rock’s beats are often nullified when less-than-stellar performer proves to be just that.
Pete Rock and Smiff-N-Wessun – Monumental Tracklist:
- “Intro”
- “Monumental (feat. Tyler Woods and Pete Rock)”
- “Prevail (feat. Raekwon)”
- “That’s Hard (feat. Sean Price and Styles P)”
- “Top of the World (feat. Memphis Bleek)”
- “Feel Me (feat. Rock of Heltah Skeltah and Bun B)”
- “Roses (feat. Freeway)”
- “Fire”
- “This One (feat. Top Dog and Jahdan Blakkmoore of Noble Society)”
- “Do It (feat. Hurrican G)”
