Ohio has never been known as a hip-hop mecca, but with the release of FlowMatique: Rise of the True Mc's by hip-hop duo DraMatiQue and Benflowz (D&B), it may be on its way.
FlowMatique: Rise of the True Mc's is the debut album of Toledo natives DraMatiQue and BenFlowz. After listening to the album, it's clear that the goal of the album was to restore hip hop as a true art form and bring creativity and true talent back to rap music.
Unlike most rap albums, FlowMatique doesn't rely on over-produced tracks and radio-friendly hooks to create a decent album. Instead, the album uses simplistic beats and powerful and thought-provoking lyrics to engage listeners.
A standout track on the album is the title track, "FlowMatiQue." On the track, the duo refer to themselves as "the ultimate hip-hop duo" as their voices alternate flawlessly over the beat.
Like every rap artist, DraMatiQue and BenFlowz are overly confident and constantly boast of their lyrical prowess in comparison to other rappers. However, unlike other rappers, D&B actually have the talent to validate their egos.
Hip-hop lovers everywhere will surely love "Roc the Mic" and "Price is Rite," which uses a sample from the popular game show, because both songs show-off the duos lyrical abilities.
While most rap artists only dedicate one or two songs on their albums to serious and political issues, D&B use several tracks to speak about various social issues. A standout track is "Unhappy Faces," where the duo raps about poverty in the black community, frustration with the government and the various problems plaguing the black community.
"Emancipate" is another lyrical heavyweight where the group raps about social issues. On the track, the duo raps, "Build your own nation/ get away from the George Bushisms … break the government/ black people stand-up and be the difference/ tell something."
The album also has the classic love-song, "Why I Love Dat Girl," where the duo show their softer side as they rap about their significant other. However, the song takes a comical spin when the guys discover they've been dating the same girl.
One small drawback to FlowMatiQue is that the album is at times very predictable. The simple beats used throughout the album become slightly monotonous after a while and may make listeners wonder if the lyrics would still shine on a track with a heavier beat.
However, despite that drawback, FlowMatiQue is an impressive album that will hopefully fill a void in the world of hip hop. With songs like Flo Rida's "Low" and Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat" becoming chart-topping hips and going multi-platinum, many are left wondering whether or not rap music will ever become the respected art form that it once was.
Although there are still well-respected artists, such as Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne, who manage to create good music, these men can not carry the torch themselves as the number of true Mc's slowly dwindles. FlowMatiQue by D&B gives hope to rap lovers everywhere.
Critic's Conclusion: In a world where most rappers spend their careers producing "pop rap" and are more concerned with mainstream success than actually creating good music, it is refreshing to hear hip-hop artists whose beats don't overpower the lyrics and whose songs actually have a message. Bottom-line, if you love TRUE hip hop, buy this album. B+
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