Stetsasonic is the first hip-hop group from Brooklyn, New York, consisting of Daddy-O, MC Delite, Wise and Bobby Simmons. They only released 3 full albums together in the late 80s/early 90s and remained inactive as a group, although what they did eventually paved the way for The Roots. But after teasing a comeback by releasing singles over the past three years, the band is getting back together for its fourth LP, produced by Public Enemy frontman Chuck D.
“The Message in Our Music” is an old school style opener produced by C-Doc, talking about the message in their music which has been very clearly asking if you have the power to escape and change your destiny, and “(Now You are giving “Up) Love” a shout-out to these triumphant clarion calls, bragging about their return after 3 long decades. Mala Reignz and Smoothe da Hustler both appeared with Stet in the first part of “Cypher,” which Smoothe is my personal favorite of the two films, but then Lolita gets into their storytelling package and samples a little too much when talking about the eponymous character.
From there, “Handled” brings the horns back into the fold, reminding you all that they’re known for a handling style that others simply can’t channel, and it’s probably the weakest track on the album “Stet.” Dreams Come True” by Calvin III, an awkward reggae/pop-rap fusion about being a big deal to Lil’ Kim. The soulful title track makes them like Melle Mel Old school, without the bitterness of dissatisfaction that has characterized it in recent years, Ruste Juxx’s “Notes of Impression” gives you a non-fiction feel with its hi-hat hooking up a droning loop.
“Stetsa Anniversary” continues to delve into their comeback by shifting from trap to full-blown g-funk, while “People in Your Neighborhood” employs humorous beatboxing and talk about drugs. Penultimate track “Hanging on a String” sonically pays homage to Zapp’s captivating club-rock rap, while “Fallen Soldiers” closes Here We Go Again with a tribute to all those who can’t be with us today.
I wish Prince Paul had at least some involvement behind the scenes on this album, but I’m still really happy with what we achieved with “Here We Go Again” because it’s in some way the same as my personal favorite One of the band A Tribe is similar. Nearly 2 years after “Love Sports”, “We Got It From Here…Thank You Your Service” titled “Quest” was released. It’s still a homecoming for the band from the production to everyone sounding really happy to be back doing what they do.
Rating: 7/10
