9th Wonder's story is a dream come true. He began e-pitching his Fruity Loop-made beats on the internet, and soon after began remixing and producing for some of hip-hop's greatest talents. For The Dream Merchant 2, many of these artists have come back to return the favor. The album features Jean Grae (9th produced her shelved album Jeanius), Memphis Bleek (9th has supplied two beats for Bleek), Sean Price ("Heartburn"), and of course, the whole Justus League crowd. Even Little Brother swings by to kick some flows. Like Sly said: "It's a family affair."
Production Growth
While he's still back to his ol' R&B-chopping techniques, 9th continues sharpening the sword and the result is a much more polished sound than his 2005 prequel. He fittingly alternates from graceful production jobs like "Shots" (featuring DHO and Sean Price) to the hard-body "The Last Time." Other production highlights include the ruthless "Thank You" with D.O.X. and O-Dash, and the appropriately titled "Reminisce." Though 9th's style hasn't evolved to the point where it sounds unrecognizable to his previous work (cough, Kanye), he definitely shows growth throughout the album. In short, 9th Wonder has brilliantly taken Fruity Loops to the next level.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Often considered the Pete Rock of his era, 9th's signature gutter-but-soulful style has always been heavily built around oldies samples and dusty drum kicks; it's been his forte and he's stuck with it. But many critics might call this his flaw. To some, 9th's strengths are, in fact, his weaknesses, as far as production procedure is concerned. The same applies for Dream Merchant 2 features, which include the usual suspects of Justus League emcees. Aside from Memphis Bleek, Saigon, and perhaps Royce the 5'9", the supporting cast is predictable. Surprising artists would have definitely added some much-needed spark to this album, as its lack of collaborative range may come off to some as a bit one-dimensional.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of high spots on the album to look out for. The "D'Evils"-esque "Saved" with Saigon and Joe Scudda, one of the album's highlights, is a somber display of meditative thought. Similarly, the resilient anthem "Brooklyn In My Mind" finds Jean Grae showcasing her skills as a potent femcee, and Memphis Bleek more comfortable riding a beat than in recent memory. "Merchant of Dreams" is the album's climax, offering a marvelous soundscape backdropped by the posse-cut raps of Chaundon, Skyzoo & Torae, three of the hottest underground emcees out. But Dream Merchant 2 does fail to hold up throughout; its sense of urgency fades out as the album progresses. The second half of the album sounds recognizably weak, tedious and unbalanced (excluding the "Special Remix," a determined effort between Median and the Strange Fruit Project).
Bottom Line on Dream Merchant 2
While The Dream Merchant 2 does little to attract listeners who would have otherwise never heard of 9th Wonder before, it's still an album that 9th followers and underground rap fans should be pleased with. At 18 tracks long, there's plenty to absorb. It's definitely something for everyone.
Top Tracks
- "Merchant of Dreams" (featuring Chaundon, Skyzoo, L.E.G.A.C.Y. & Torae)
- "Brooklyn In My Mind" (feat. Mos Def, Jean Grae & Memphis Bleek)
- "The Last Time" (feat. Royce The 5'9", Vandalyzm & Naledge, The Lou & The D)
- "Saved" (feat. Saigon & Joe Scudda)
- "Special" (Remix)' (feat. Strange Fruit Project & Median)
