As far as production goes, Nicolay definitely brings it: taut, crisp beats provide the bed for lush vocals and rich accompaniment. Overall, the harmonies on the album are tight. It brings the soul back to hip-hop without forcing it to compromise. The hard rocks out there will probably gravitate to “Raw Life” (hot beat, plus Joe Scudda’s smackin’ up cats verbally) and “The Answer” (more of the same, this time with Kenn Starr and Oddissee handin’ out beat downs). As for me, I’m more chill but still weighed down by life’s problems, and three joints definitely hit the spot in that regard: “Brave New World,” “Let’s Move,” (I’m feelin’ that woodwinds sample) and “Be All Right.” The last in the trio features a line that still trips me out: “I scream ‘f**k the world,’ but Mother Nature’s takin’ Ortho now.” Thumbs up for “All That You Are” also – that one’s been growin’ on me.

Although this is definitely a hip-hop affair, soul is flowin’ throughout this album. And while I’m not usually one for the R&B, “Come Around” is my favorite cut on Connected. Brother Darien Brockington is SANGIN’ this thang! Plus the “Title Theme” and “End Theme” make for nice bookend pieces and remind of the important role that soul plays in making Connected so memorable. With talks of the daily grind, relationship strife, and raising children, it’s safe to say that this is grown folks’ hip-hop. And while this is an area that has been growing within the genre, there is always room for more. Props to Phonte and Nicolay for the cyberspace collab; as the chorus sings at the top of the LP, “Thank you for the music…”

{vic feedle}

• purchase this release at Turntable Lab or Sandbox Automatic.
• visit the official Foreign Exchange website.
• visit the BBE label.