EP Review: The Introduction

Fresh. Like music to my ears (hold on a second. It is music to my ears!), Scizzorhands’ newest EP The Introduction gives lets me hit refresh on my love of hip-hop. Let me explain.

When I read the bio of Scizzorhands (Elton Noyer), he states Mix Master Mike and others as influences, and to me, it feels like Scizzorhands has done a fantastic job of bringing that feel and style of the mix master while still remaining fresh and new. In the super deep and wide ocean that is modern rap and hip-hop, it’s so damn good to hear people still push turntablism over trap beats. Don’t mince my words, of course, I have love for all. But I seldom get to hear this sort of hip-hop coming out nowadays.

Teaming up with a wide range of different wordsmiths, this EP takes everything I love about groups like Jurassic 5, Beastie Boys and early Dr Dre and makes a statement about the current state of hip. From the guitar sample driven Money In, Money Out, with a killer performance from Diggy Dupe, it has a kid of Method Man vibe to it.

Mo’ Styles changes it up with Sabe, a funkier feel and more melodic. Every MC on this EP is solid and has so much feel. It’s authentic and real.

The single Let Go is a true stand out. With the strong recognizable voice of Unchained XL at the beginning, it sets the tone from the get-go. It’s a wonderful song about finding peace and letting go of things that hold us back. It is one of the more fluid tracks where the structure is all over the place, but that again is refreshing. The middle section has Scizzorhands showing off his scratching skills a little more.

It’s obvious that Scizzorhands has a true knack for old school hip-hop. I recommend that you give this EP a spin. A lot of talent is showcased here.