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Album Review - HipHopCanada.com Review - October 16, 2003
Various Artists - Bassments of Badmen Vol. 2 [Hand Solo Records/urbnet records]
as reviewed by Trizoy

Back in '96 the first volume of Bassments of Badmen exposed some of Halifax's elite hip-hoppers, with production by
Jorun and contributions from the likes of Buck 65, Sixtoo and Classified. Seven years later emerges Volume 2, having
expanded its off-radar horizons to Halifax, Toronto and beyond, it falls short of the high precedent set by Volume 1.
'Bury The Bodies' is one of the best upbeat, off-center songs on the album, as Vangel's production exemplifies his
rising skill by perfectly complementing emcees Fritz Tha Cat and Mindbender. On 'Wordburglar', SJ the Wordburglar
provides some of the wittiest lines on the compilation with the likes of "I'm spittin so much shit I'm gurglin terds" and
"You can't produce like neutered pets, I eat ya up quicker than Skinner at Uter-fest." Kilgour hits hard with his foggy
beat on 'Teen Idols' as Thesis shows exceptional flow and catchy lyricism. Noah23 presents 'Amnesia', a captivating
piano-laden lyrical masterpiece. Restiform Bodies prove they are the "real men of steel" on the fresh 'Uh-Oh.'
Creature Box provides a solid underground sound over a positive message on the deceivingly-titled 'Ciggaret Butt
Sandwitch.'
Bassments of Badmen Volume 2 is like a minor league all-star game: Some players have real potential, while others
will fizzle over time. Hand Solo Records is able to compile a tiny snapshot of the ever-growing realm of off-the-radar
underground hip-hop. Unfortunately it's not as chock-full of high quality draft picks as was its predecessor - Volume 1.
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