Album Review: 2Edge – “Second Wind”
2Edge – “Second Wind”
Released: 2011
Reviewed by: Neil Christian
Rating: 5.5 (Out of 10)
[xrr rating=5.5/10]
When a veteran, like 2Edge, drops an album many things need to be taken into consideration. How does it stack up to the debut album (or previous album)? What were the critiques of the last album? Did they improve on those critiques? How is it different? Is there growth musically & lyrically? Is it relevant? Is it still hip-hop or a gimmick? These and many more questions are generally asked.
So when we come to the matter of 2Edge, I had to go back acquaint myself again with his previous album, While I’m Still Breathin’. In fact, as I started to dig through my winamp library, I realized that 2Edge is nowhere near a rookie. This dude has been on his grind for a LONG time (since before 1992 to be exact). 2Edge made his mark on CHH rhyming with a group called 1Way. Over the years, 1Way’s sound evolved, keeping up with the evolution of Hip-hop, going from classic boom-bap, to soulful production to a smoother new east-coast sound. On his solo debut, 2Edge, although clearly steeped in his east-coast, soulful roots, branched out to a more commercially viable sound. Now on his solo sophomore album, he’s onto the next one.
With a young comer, Fred Junior, helming the majority of the album, 2Edge gets right into it on Midnight run. With no hook, and production strangely redolent of G-styles, 2Edge rhymes straight for 4 minutes and proves that after 20yrs in the game, he’s still got it. In fact listening through the album, you can’t help but feel the shadow of G-styles over the whole project. Not that it’s a bad thing! Those distinct synth lines, the sharp snares and heavy kicks have seen the young producer make his unique brand. Keeping the trademark Florida sound going, 2Edge remixes Why Lie? However, I still prefer the original version. The beat was more epic and grandiose and the hook was nicer. And that right there is the problem with the whole project.
I can talk about how the beats are tight, the few new verses we have been provided are tight but this is just laziness from a veteran with so much experience in the game. This is not so much a “new” album as much as it is a remix album. Not sure why 2Edge felt he had to include so many remixes/revisits to his previous songs. They really should have been bonus items, deluxe or free releases as the album is 15 songs long, then add the 6 remixes/revisits, that leaves only 9 songs of original material. I do feel short changed with that. Now let’s play a game to keep this interesting! What do the following songs have in common?
Why Lie, Let it Go, Guess Again, Ladies & Gentlemen.
Guessed it? …No? They are all exactly the same, lyrically! No new lyrics at all! All these songs have just been given a sonic make-over. And in every case, the original is much better. Grace & Mercy, in contrast, keeps the same beat and same verse from 2Edge and brings along Mac the Doulos, Mark Arthur and Free for the ride. There is even another remix to Why Lie, however this time 2Edge keeps the original beat but brings along guests to provide a remix! I can only guess why he decided to go this path.
So as a reviewer my job is tough. I could have just appraised the album on its own, but with the legacy that 2Edge has, that would have been irrational. With so much history, this album is a black mark on his legacy. The core fans will definitely feel short-changed and confused. Much like how the lasers felt after hearing the fiasco they rallied Atlantic records to release. The streaks of brilliance, no matter how sparse they are, prove he’s still here. Don’t count the old dog yet. This is his second wind; he’s still running along the same way. He’s still got it.
Comprehensive Ratings:
1. Music – 7
2. Flow – 6
3. Creativity / Originality – 1
4. Relevancy – 2
5. Content & Character – 7
6. Credibility & Confidence – 7
7. Personality – 7
8. Presentation Quality –7
9. Overall Production Quality – 7
10. Potential Impact – 4
