Album Review: Basic Vocab – A Better Way

Basic Vocab – A Better Way
2010
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When I associate hip-hop with the Miami scene, I can only recollect of rap acts like Luke, Pitbull, and Trick Daddy. In short, club booty-shaking, rumping, and thumping -type music. The closest thing Miami has offered the game concerning real hip-hop is the successful production duo Cool & Dre and arguably Rick Ross. Not to say Maybach music is not from the soul but booty shaking does not do much for fellow Floridians, Basic Vocab. Ironically, Basic Vocab’s beatsmith, Tony Galvin made a few bootys shake some years ago.  He is responsible for the Trick Daddy’s hit single “Shut Up” about a decade ago. Galvin was also at the helm of Trina’s “Baddest Bitch” that same year in 2000. Unsure of Galvin gave up on Miami club tunes, the talented producer scooped up his buddies for the second go-round on A Better Way. The threesome displayed in their first LP, The General Dynamic (2006) that subject matter and soul grooves is the foundation of their artistry. With the growth found on 06’s follow-up A Better Way, I can now include the Miami trio with Tanya Morgan, Little Brother, and Strange Fruit Project in the same sentence. It is safe to say that Basic Vocab is in good company.

The sunshine state trio consists of JL Sorell, Mental Growth and aforementioned producer Tony Galvin. From top to bottom the music feels natural, pure, and wholehearted. The subject matter of relationships, soul music, and party themes are undoubtedly filled throughout the 21 tracks listed in the sophomore record. In the opening sequences of the album, the soulful-sampled “Prescription” is a highlight. The group easily takes a medicinal metaphor and flips it into pharmaceutical fever explaining their love for hip-hop. The three-man team continues the essence with “There You Are” with the help of Potholes friend, Donwill of Tanya Morgan and E. Nelson. The piano-organ heavy joint blended with Sorell, MG, and 1/3 of Tanya Morgan should not be overlooked. Other R&B influenced tracks such as “Why You Do Me Like That” featuring Amir, describes trifling women as JL touches on cheating, “My girl for 5 years then she went and cheated/ who knew shes had it in her yo, couldn’t believe it/the nerve of that chick that turned her back/why you do me like that/how you do me like that”.

The album is broken down into quarters. The ill snippets suggest interludes and could be looked at as markers for the lengthy LP. Roughly a minute long, each intermission serves as a mental break and appetizer before the next set of tracks allowing for an easy listen. The four snippets give the album such great sense of cohesiveness. I do not want to say that club tracks are pretentious but they certainly do work on this album. Like the eponymous “Club Music”.  The scratches, hook, and verses almost step out of familiar ground, but being from MIA, JL states “BV here to show improve”. But the reason why this track works so well is because BV has their own style of booty-shaking music. Who said you can’t deliver a message while making hips shake?

Another piece that works is the synthesizer-based “Just Dance” as Amir joins the party again. BV continues to stay in their lane while crafting feel good party vibes. If you are looking for heat “Hot to Death” is a track to dip into. Dynas (also being from the Magic City) collaborate with his neighbors, as they compliment Galvin’s impressive abilities shown on the boards. Galvin has blessed party hits for the Slip-N-Slide Camp eons ago but now it’s time for BV to get the shine they deserve on the electronic psychedelia-looped banger found on Better Way.

With two solid records under their belt, Better Vocab is on their way to pleasing even more hip-hop fans as they show progession and eclecticism the second time around. If you want to booty-shake, rump, and thump , Better Vocab can do that. If you want something to ride to, BV can do that as well, and if I find out my girlfriend cheated on me after five years, I know what to play in my boombox. This is real music; grooves from the mind, body, and soul. The 305 now has a complete underground hip-hop group they can be proud of.

3.5 out of 5