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Arguably the hottest producer in the game today, Hi-Tek, who is from Cincinnati, is credited for helping to define The independent rap scene in New York throughout the late 90’s. Today, he works as a staff producer for Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, and it’s affiliates, and has made himself into a prized possession, with the work he’s done with 50 Cent, The Game, and Lloyd Banks. Even with his busy schedule though, he has found time to release Hi-Teknology 2 on Babygrande Records.

Hi-Teknology 2 is the long awaited, highly anticipated, follow-up release to Hi-Teknology, which was released on Rawkus Records all the way back in 2001. This is actually the second version of Hi-Teknology 2, the first being recorded on MCA, but never released. Hi-Tek produces all the tracks on the album, but unlike the original, he blesses the microphone himself more frequently.

The artists featured on this release, reads like a who’s who list of hip-hop, and really shows the kind of pull and influence Hi-Tek holds. Everyone from established superstars like Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, and The Game, to elite lyricists such as Nas and Raekwon. From veterans like Jadakiss, and Ghostface Killah, to up and comers like Papoose, and Ayak. Not to mention holdovers from the first album Talib Kweli, Common, and Mos Def, just to name a few, all share the stage and spotlight on The Chip.

The beats and production are what you would expect from Hi-Tek, and are all excellently executed. The whole album has a mellow, laidback vibe to it, but doesn’t come off so soft that it would turn off fans of the heavier stuff. Hi-Tek isn’t a rookie, and he knows how to place everything in exactly the right spot, he knows what rapper fits what beat, and in what order they should spit. His influence can be heavily felt, and he never lets himself just become the man behind the boards.

As far as Hi-Tek on the microphone, he’s not the greatest rapper in the world, but he definitely does not embarrass himself. He can flow, and he’s got skill, if he keeps at it, and continuously improves, I would love to hear him release his own album, where he handles all the production, and raps on every track himself.

There is a lot to like on this album, but nothing really stands out above everything else besides “Where It Started At (NY)”, in which Jada, Pap, Kweli, and Raekwon, all come with their A game. Talib Kweli also impresses on “Can We Go Back”, and if you want to check out Tek’s potential as a rapper, then bump “The Chip.”

The Bottom Line: With the various genres, and blend of artists, The Chip may be seen by some as nothing more than a glorified mixtape. The only difference is, you’re not going to be hearing anybody shouting out their name during the track, or telling you when so and so’s album is going to drop. What you will get however, is some of the hottest MC’s around today, putting it down over hot beats, created by possibly the hottest producer alive at the moment, that’s a lot of heat, try not to burn.

Tracklisting

01. The Oracle
02. The Chip
03. Keep It Moving
04. Think I Got A Beat
05. Can We Go Back
06. Josephine
07. March
08. Where It Started At (NY)
09. 1-800-Homicide
10. Money Don’t Make U Rich
11. Baby We Can Do It
12. Let It Go
14. So Tired
15. Music For Life

Websites

BabyGrande.com
MySpace.com/BabyGrandeRecords

Record Label:

• Babygrande Records

Release Date:

• 10/17/2006

Reviewer:

• SeL