Search - Shootyz Groove :: High Definition

A great chilled out album

robjphat@yahoo.com | Nottingham, England | 12/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rap metal act Shootyz Groove have been around for a few years now but sadly success hasn't been easy for them. When they first appeared the rap metal scene just consisted of angst ridden Rage Against the Machine style bands and Shootyz Groove's mellow positive vibes didn't really fit in. Now the band have picked a better time to make the big league, as bands like Sugar Ray, Everlast, Dub War, Sublime and even Limp Bizkit have combined rock and rap with more mellow results. The sound of this album is a more mature, almost organic hip-hop sound with liberal helpings of funk rather than downtuned riffs and aggressive style populating the LA scene. One of `High Definitions' standout tracks is the brilliant `L-Train', with it's combination of skankin rap verses and a uplifting chorus, is one of the best singles released last year, and the fact that no-one knows it indicates how overlooked this band are. `Young City Boys and Girls' follows the same path, where as `So Much Time' has latino elements, and `Easily' and the cover of XTC's `Dear God (Oh My God)' follow the Everlast blueprint with a nice acoustic feel to them. Even though a couple of tracks don't quite hit the spot and it takes a couple of listens to get into, High Definition is a interesting album, and it's a breath of fresh air to hear a band rapping about something other than the usual rap metal clichés. Good stuff."

Rap/Rock with a positive message? Seriously?

Andy | MA | 02/24/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You might not know NYC-based shootyz groove, but you would know "L-train" if you heard it. An awesome album, really great songs. MCees Sense and Season make a great team, and Paul Freaky is one of the best bass players I've ever heard. The overwhelming positive message gives this cd an edge over others: You can love the music AND agree with the lyrics. "Open up your eyes and spy, Lazarus / Better yet open up your heart, y'all imagine this." Oh yeah."