Calliope Music Review of the Week
JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown - SCARING THE HOES
Experimental Hip-Hop Luminaries, Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA Detonate with Radical Sampling and Comical Testimonials in this Eccentric Hyper Hip-Hop Escapade.
Saturated bass, breakneck drum patterns and an array of genre-bending samples pave the way for Danny and Peggy's jocular and absurdist rapping. While not all the experiments on this distinctive and abrasive album work well, the two artists create a cutting-edge soundscape that is equally entertaining as unconventional.
Although both rappers are known for their experimental ability and tendency towards the off-beat, SCARING THE HOES presents a new level of unorthodox production. JPEGMAFIA breaks new ground with tumultuous beats, high-intensity refrains and eclectic, as well as avant-garde sampling.
The production on this 36 minute LP is next to none, and presents a hyper sound, loud and complex. The drumming ranges from fast paced drum machines to colossal hard rock drum kits. Sharp bass rings throughout the album and seethes into every layer of the mix, acting as both an anchor that holds the instrumentals together and a weapon of mass destruction, keen on blasting the ear open of any unsuspecting listener. A multiplex of synths, horns, bells, claps, subbed kicks and other industrial effects dance fervently over each beat in a chaotic, but rhythmic nature. All of these elements mix prodigiously well with an exhibition of extraordinary sampling.
Peggy bestows a masterclass of hip-hop sampling, weaving in idiosyncratic samples of many different genres into already erratic instrumentals. The high pitched and sped up sound of 'Chipmunk Soul' starts off the album in the track, "Lean Beef Patty." This transitions into a short, but effective RnB sample of the next track, "Steppa Pig." Peggy goes on to impeccably integrate the melodies and grooves of Japanese TV commercials, church choir, videogame soundtracks, orchestra crescendos, Michael Jackson, Hulk Hogan, alternative rock tracks and much more. There are also avant-garde pieces, like the screeching horn on the title track, the trombone solo on "Run The Jewels," jazz piano and upright bass on "Jack Harlow Combo Meal" and chopped organ on "HOE (Heaven on Earth). While the sampling of the stranger sounds on "Run The Jewels," "HOE (Heaven on Earth)," and "Where Ya Get Ya Coke From," are somewhat clunky, the overall production effort remains a sight to behold.
Moving on the lyrical content of the LP, there is a certain drop off in quality. Danny Brown and Peggy's bars are far from their most developed and leave some depth to be desired. However, Danny's uncanny ability to tell ludicrous stories with his signature shrill voice and Peggy's incessant referenced-filled anger never ceases to amuse. There are plenty of rather humorous one liners with some decent word play that suit the insanity of the overall sound. The duo criticize popular culture on the opening track, embrace meme culture on the title track, scrutinize the modern hip-hop industry on "Garbage Pale Kids," and ironically sexualize religion on "God Loves You." While not the most fruitful effort by both artists, the rapping still provides a fun flavor to the inane energy of the record.
In summary, Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA craft an immensely dense set of wacky, yet wildly enjoyable hip-hop excursions. Danny's absurd rapping coupled with Peggy's staggering production skills melt into one another in chaotic fashion. The broad scope of influences and intricate mixing allow each individual sound to complement the next. Where the lyrical concepts and a few sonic trials go rogue, SCARING THE HOES still commands a special exuberance in its light-hearted and innovative arrangements.
Best Tracks: Steppa Pig -- Garbage Pale Kids -- Burfict! -- Orange Juice Jones -- Shut Yo Bitch Ass Up / Muddy Waters -- Kingdom Hearts Key (feat. redveil) -- God Loves You -- Jack Harlow Combo Meal
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