The Verdict: Label: Showoff/Brick Records
Release Date: October 21, 2008
The Grade: B-
The Who:
In just a few short years, Statik Selektah has gone from a relatively unknown DJ to one of the best up and coming DJs in hip-hop. Slowly but surely, the 26-year-old turntabalist built his name through mixtape releases with artists such as G-Unit, Nas, AZ, Royce 5'9" and Termanology. The Boston native even splits time as a producer, as his resume includes tracks for KRS-One, Foxy Brown, Joell Ortiz and O.C. In 2007, Statik Selektah continued to make moves by releasing his debut compilation album, Spell My Name Right. The critically acclaimed LP featured top-notch guest appearances by Styles P, Q-Tip, DJ Premier, Kool G Rap, KRS-One, AZ, M.O.P. and Jadakiss, amongst others.
The Buzz:
A year after his debut album, DJ Statik Selektah returns with his sophomore effort, Stick 2 The Script. The LP is being released on Showoff/Brick Records, and features appearances by artists such as Cassidy, Saigon, M.O.P., State Property, Bun B, Redman, CL Smooth, Talib Kweli, and others.
The Verdict:
Oddly enough, on an album featuring countless hip-hop greats, the true superstar on Stick 2 The Script is DJ Statik Selektah. The Boston native uses his second LP as a showcase for his vastly improved production skills, outshining even the best MCs on the album. With a penchant for crate digging and flipping samples, Statik offers three of his best beats on "For The City" with M.O.P. and Jadakiss, "All 2gether Now" with State Property, and "Get Out The Way" with Bun B and Cory Mo. The production on Stick 2 The Script is consistent throughout. Unfortunately, though, some of the guests on the album don't take advantage of Statik's beat-making skills. Dull boilerplate efforts such as "Streets of M.A.," "Destined To Shine," "Cali Nights" and "Take It All Back" are all average, forgettable songs. Stick 2 The Script definitely starts well, as Statik frontloads all of the LP's good songs. Unfortunately, though, the quality of tracks continually declines as the album progresses. Nevertheless, Stick 2 The Script is still a solid compilation album that succeeds due to stellar production. Even though the second half of the album tails off, thankfully it doesn't detract too much from its excellent beginning.
