On their sophomore studio album release, the lyrically inclined trio of Open Mike Eagle, Psychosiz and Dumbfoundead collectively known as Thirsty Fish converge again. And like their previous effort, Watergate features the rappers taking some delightful sonic risks – along with some snafus – on the production and showcasing rhymes that are both witty and staying true to concepts that span over a variety of topics.
Executive produced by forward thinking rapper Busdriver, Watergate features all three MCs in top form. And the schizophrenic, pop-culture heavy lines within the album’s opening cut produced by Loden “Sounds Like Rap” help prepare the listener for an sometimes bumpy ride that mellows itself out due to its overarching purpose. “Working The Numbers” from producer Alpha MC has the spitters flexing the concept that via hard work, all can will themselves to the spoils of victory.
Producer Exile gives the Thirsty Fish an early highlight of a track in “Director’s Cut” which features battle rap crew the Swim Team. With this style of concept using the director’s chair as a metaphor to explain unfolding scenes, the beat is far more interesting than the rhymes. Loden returns to provide Thirsty Fish a track for their ode to the ladies “Girls…Or…Like” and while it’s a noble attempt, nothing resonates beyond the well-done hook.
Busdriver shows up on the TOKiMONSTA-produced number, “Grind It Out”, and from the songs onset, the listener will be pulled in with the excellent beat. The fellas focus again on the ladies again but with much better results than the previous track; this is by leaps and bounds the album’s high point.
Thirsty Fish should be lauded for making lyrics the focal point, as rhymes have ceased to matter as a centerpiece in much of today’s popular hip hop. Although the trio is possessed of incredible rhyming talent, they most often overpower the production that backs them thus leading one to wonder how Thirsty Fish would fare over more capable production. - Potholes In My Blog |
