Brooklyn emcee, singer and producer Q-Unique teams up with Jake Palumbo for his 3rd EP. Emerging as 1/4 of the Arsonists and lead singer of 3-man hard rock outfit Stillwill, he has also built an impressive solo record for himself since backing Uncle Howie Records Vengeance is mine almost 2 decades back at this point. He would follow it up in the previous decade with Between Heaven and Hell alongside BlaQ Coffee and The engineer before Stillwill bassist Fieldy of KoЯn produced his latest EP Pound for Pound fully last spring. So listening to Jake was the production Royal bloodI was just as excited.
“Bad Meaning Good” sets the tone with the boom bam horn that's organic to the lyrics that want to shoot down dreams like LeBron, while the rough “Eye Don't Sleep” works in strings, kicks and snares talking about get up before sunrise “133rd Psalm” takes the soulful route describing how wonderful and joyful it is when brothers live in harmony just before “Don't Wanna Wake Up” pays intricate tribute to all those who paved the way for hip hop culture. “Chess Checkers” grimly says he's done running from his knuckle blood issues, while “Random Play” keeps it in the basement organically to discuss life on the road. “Ingredients” closes the EP by admitting to taking the anger of Bruce Banner with the love of a 60s hippie.
Pound for Pound It got a mixed response, though I felt it was a great comeback for Q and it's only been since Fieldy fell behind the boards throughout it. That being said, I feel like those who didn't get much from the previous EP will be left out Royal blood enjoying a little more. Jake's production is more raw compared to Q's Stillwell bandmate and Q himself is just as aggressive on the mic as last time.
Rating: 8/10
