Hip-hop of the 1980s and 1990s is the default background music at an establishment I frequent. I laughed out loud when “Know the Ledge”” a 1992 single by Erik B. & Rakim, filled the room last night.
I’d finished listening to Westside Gunn’s HEELMATIC an hour earlier. The synchronism amused me. Much of the Griselda star’s new album possesses a similar jazz-informed production and defiant sensibility.
HEELMATIC, as with far too many Griselda releases, suffers from quality control issues, but its most satisfying moments are vital homages to the peak eras of Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Gang Starr, and yes, Erik B. & Rakim. It ain’t no joke.