Stetsasonic is the first hip hop group from Brooklyn, New York consisting of Dad-O, MC Delite, Wise & Bobby Simmons. They would only release 3 full length albums together in the late 80s/early 90s, but remained inactive as a unit, although what they did would eventually pave the way for The roots. But after coming back with single releases for the last 3 years, the band are getting back together for their 4th LP in production Public enemy Frontman Chuck D.
“Message in Our Music” is an old school inspired opener created with C-Doc talking about the message in their music has always been clear asking if you have what it takes to break free and change your destiny while “(Now Y'all Giving Up) Love” works on these triumphant horns to boast their return after over 3 long decades. Mala Reignz and Smoothe da Hustler both join Stet on the first part of a ” Cypher” with Smoothe having my personal favorite of the 2 features, but then “Lolita” gets into their narrative bag just above the heavy samples talking about the title character.
Moving on from there, “Handled” brings the horns back into the fold, reminding everyone that they're known for handling styles that others just can't pull off in what is probably and with all due respect here the weakest track on the album.” Stet Dreams Come True” with Calvin III being this awkward reggae/pop rap pairing to be her Lil' Kim's Biggie. The soulful title track makes their case as old school as Melle Mel without the disgruntled bitterness that has shown in recent years while “Notes of Impression” includes Ruste Juxx connects a hi-hat rattle that brings you non-fiction.
“Stetsa Anniversary” goes from trap to full-on g-funk, continuing to dig deeper into their comeback, while “People in Your Neighborhood” takes a humorous beatboxing and drug-talking approach. Penultimate track “Hanging on a String” pays sonic homage to Zapp for a charming club banger rap, and “Fallen Soldiers” concludes Here we go again paying tribute to all those who cannot be with us today.
I was hoping that Prince Paul would have at least some involvement behind the boards with this album, but I'm still very happy with what we did Here we go again because it kind of resembles one of my personal favorite groups A tribe called Quest releasing We got it from here… Thank you for your service almost 2 decades later The Love Movement. It's still very much a return to form for the band from the production, as everyone sounds genuinely happy to be back doing what they're doing.
Rating: 7/10
