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Act II: Hold Your Breath

Smokehouse Junkiez

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When Smokehouse Junkiez first asked me to review their new album, ‘Act II: Hold Your Breath,’ I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I had always been a background fan of theirs, even opening up for them once in concert a few years back, but it had been a couple years since I had heard anything new by them, so listening to this album was almost like hearing them again for the first time.. and all I can say is, this CD is fucking incredible. I was completely blown away into a realm of nostalgic old-school Juggalo bliss while listening. A lot of the underground sound as of late has been disappointing me, and this album truly reminded me what this music is all about.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Smokehouse Junkiez, the duo originated in Lansing, Michigan almost ten years ago. Owning their own label, Roach Records, Dubb Sicc and Jaqadeliq (or Jack the Ripper) have released several albums and singles, and have toured and performed with many Juggalo favorites, as well as numerous appearances at the Gathering of the Juggalos. The current album we are reviewing is their third studio LP.

Now, to get into the album itself. Like I previously stated, I was completely impressed. The overall sound and feeling of the album reminded me of that “old-school Juggalo” feel. Not meaning that it sounds old, because it definitely has a new alternative presence as well. The general theme to the album is staying positive, not letting time or opportunities slip away..and to have fun doing it. This record is a “sequel” to their previous ‘Act I: Inhale the Violence.’

Let’s do a quick break-down, track by track:

1. Hold Your Breath
This track is a heavy hitting intro, reminding you who the Smokehouse Junkiez are and what you’re getting into. This one will definitely wake you up and get you ready for the album.
Rating: 4.5/5

2. Errly ft. Str8jaket
This one is a good smoking song, as it is about smoking..dabs, to be specific (Errly? “Dab it up?”). The instrumental is a simple beat while the vocals form a catchy chorus, and the verse by Str8Jaket is solid as well, and contains a few humorous elements.
Rating: 4/5

3. Joe (skit)
This was a quick little skit about a “marijuana addict” in rehab. Short, but funny.
Rating: 4/5

4. Got Me Fucked Up
The title says it all, this track is about getting fucked up: drinking, smoking, doing drugs. Very low mellow beat, however Jack lets his verse rip coming in on the second.
Rating: 4/5

5. Homicide & Marijuana
This was one of their lead singles from the album, and it’s also probably my favorite track on the record. Both verses are extremely tight, quick-paced with a good tune (I’m a big fan of Dubb Sicc’s verse on this). This one is definitely worth replaying a few times.
Rating: 5/5

6. Eye Want You
This is an excellent song about obsessive love in true Juggalo fashion. This is another one of my favorites, it’s mellow and melodic and quite catchy… Or maybe it’s just the stalker in me, haha.
Rating: 5/5

7. Substance
The message in this one is clear: you need to put your heart into your music. Too many artists nowadays have no “substance” to their material. This track is backed by a powerful piano beat and a melodic chorus.
Rating: 4.5/5

8. Where Does Time Go?
Time is moving fast, and this track laments that fact. They state in the chorus “..if its a race to the end I hope that I finish last.” This is a deep track, and is thought-provoking, which makes it another favorite of mine.
Rating: 5/5

9. The Truth
They say it right in the chorus: “Keep it real with us, we’ll keep it real with you.” Just be true to yourself and to others, and be a real individual, think for yourself. Don’t believe whatever you hear, believe in yourself and keep grinding to earn real respect.
Raing: 4.5/5

10. To The End ft. The ROC
This track starts right off with a catchy chorus then moves right into The ROC laying down a verse. Now I hadn’t heard anything from ROC in a while, so I was excited when I saw this track listed on the back, and I was not disappointed. This a great song to get your energy up and positive vibes flowing. Also sounds great through a system.
Rating: 5/5

11. Paranoid ft. Gritty Beanz & Str8jaket
Another catchy track, this one speaks for itself as well, as it explores the thought process in a paranoid mind. This tracks flows at a quick pace that doesn’t let down, and is sure to be a favorite amongst Juggalos and horrorcore fans.
Rating: 4.5/5

12. Broke Like Me
This one is for all the scrubs, the ones who are broke and feeling low but still keeping it positive. They know what it’s like to live that life, and they’re reminding you to stay strong and not let the negative stuff get in the way, whether it’s a shitty car, or a crappy house, don’t let it bring you down.
Rating: 4/5

13.  Bottomless ft. Ajax
This track is letting you know that their talent and outlook is limitless, endless.. bottomless. There’s no top, no bottom, no boundaries at all, they’re just going to keep expanding, and they have Ajax on the track as well to back it up.
Rating: 4/5

14. Worship Me
They’re just asking you to listen to what they’re saying. They’re not just some nobodys doing this, they’ve been around for a while and have been though a lot. They’re not asking for people to worship, them just hear their words and understand why they are saying them. Another phenomenal track, I’d say it’s another favorite, but I’ve been saying that about this whole album, haha.
Rating: 5/5

15. This Bug
This is a 10 minute song featuring everyone they’re affiliated with, including Bobby Knucklez, Str8jaket, Kimi Kankles, Pain, Dirt Diggla. This track is a marathon, and presents a sampling of different sounds and styles coming together in a dope way.
Rating: 4.5/5

Overall Track Rating: 4.5/5

Production-wise, this album was solid all the way through. Quality was excellent, there were no crazy swells in volume or tracks louder than others. The vocals were pleasing to the ear, not too loud or too low or high-end ear-piercing. The instrumentals were all great, and fit right right in with the mood they were trying to convey. Also, just to mention, the packaging itself is a nice jewel case with a four panel insert, including that dope album cover, which you can view above. This is a truly flawless product, which is why it receives a 5/5 rating in that aspect.

Overall average between track rating and production, I give this album a total rating of 4.75/5, or 95% for those of you who like percent grades. Unfortunately the site doesn’t allow me to give three-quarters of a star, so we’re rounding up to 5. This was an excellent album, one of the best I’ve heard all year. If you haven’t had a chance to hear it yet, you are truly missing out. I strongly encourage you to hit up the links below to order the album for yourself. And if you’re still not sold, peep the the video out below. Also, I included the interview at the bottom I conducted with them in February in case you missed it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruEx2phrIdA‎[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGx57J2FnIg[/youtube]

Favorite Tracks:

  1. Homicide & Marijuana
  2. Eye Want You
  3. Where Does Time Go?

Length:

  • 62 Minutes 20 Seconds

Record Label:

  • Roach Records

Release Date:

  • 03/04/2014

Purchase:

Websites:

Reviewer:

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