The Formula is a testament to the chemistry between 9th Wonder and Buckshot.
Chemistry
To hip-hop's list of endangered species -- female MCs, graf writers, and rappers from Alaska-- you can now add rap crews. 9th Wonder isn't oblivious of this crisis, as his own group, Little Brother, downsized to a duo last year, following his exit. Similarly, Buckshot earned his lyrical stripes as a Boot Camp Clik soldier.
One solution to the extinction of hip-hop groups, it appears, is for reputable producers to hook up with compatible MCs on full-length albums, often a one-off project. Like most things in life, the results have ranged from interesting (Return of the Mac) to downright disappointing (Magnificent City).
For North Carolina's 9th Wonder and New York's Buckshot, the result has been mostly sweet. Their 2005 LP, Chemistry, married 9th's soulful production to Buck's witty rhymes with great effect. Their re-up, The Formula, doesn't veer much from that...um, formula. The beats are still brimming with soul; Buck's still lyrically sharper than a Ginsu.
Balanced Equation
The Formula is progressive enough to please free-spirited Justice League devotees, yet brawny enough to satisfy BCC followers. For every scathing societal indictment ("Hold It Down"), there's a female-friendly jawn ("Just Display").
9th shows some growth with his production, delicately lacing tracks like "Throwing Shade" and "Ready (Brand New Day)" with harder-hitting drums. The subtle adjustments allow him to do more than merely exploit his talent for flipping soul samples.
'The Formula' is Sprawling and Elliptical
What's good about The Formula is also what's bad about it. The album is so cohesive that it comes off as predictable after a few songs. Program: Stack some thick drums against soul samples or jazz strings. Add lyrics. Repeat.
Still, it'd be foolish to slight 9th and Buck for expanding their artful brand of hip-hop to a level of coherence. All in all, The Formula beautifully merges the underground with the flamboyant. You'll only hate it if you've got no soul.
Outstanding Cuts on The Formula- "Man Listen"
- "Hold It Down"
- "No Future"
- "Only for You"
