This is the 10th EP from Harlem host 100GrandRoyce. He started out as a member of The Stackboys, eventually going solo in 2011, until 183rd released his fifth EP, Prodigal Sun, in the spring of 2020, which caught my attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Return, Triple Crown and Unfinished Business all live up to the standard set by Prodigal Sun, while The Restoration, produced by Dame Grease, really piqued my interest.
“Shine” gets the ball rolling by incorporating handclaps into cloudy instrumentals and inserting “Wu-Gambinos” hooks and grinds into the morning, while “Above the Clouds” talks about ending up in the clouds like no other Nightmare. Flute and bass and snare drums. “Cheri Amor” goes into soulful territory, paying homage to his sweet love, and then “On Me” goes back to pop, refusing to chase chicks because they sometimes call him.
Starting with the second verse of the EP, “The Last Gone Be First” brings these energetic piano chords into the fold, talking about as long as the bag goes right leading into “Block to the Bank”, which brings a jazzier rhythm by BerryA to Change Dollars . “One of a Kind” brings back talk of unique kicks and traps, but then “My Just Due” wraps up the fix with some straight-up dirty shit, bragging about getting the key to the city from the player.
You see: The Fix is my favorite 100GrandRoyce project since Unfinished Business. The production gives it a timeless and captivating sound, blending hard-hitting beats with soulful melodies, and the chemistry is evident throughout as they effortlessly complement each other’s styles, a testament to the power of storytelling as well as the human spirit ‘s resilience, providing a glimpse into the reality of life on the streets while also conveying a message of hope, perseverance and the pursuit of dreams.
Score: 8/10
