Maticulous - "The Maticulous LP" review by Apocolypse

So… I’m back again and today I’ll be reviewing Maticulous’ – “The Maticulous LP”. It dropped on the 14 July, I know I’m a bit delayed with the review but once I heard it, I HAD TO share this gem with ya’ll. This is definitely one for the heads that’s too dope not to feature.

Maticulous is a Brooklyn based producer who moved from Pittsburg in 2004 to pursue his music career. As a producer, Maticulous has worked with the likes of Hip Hop heavyweights such as – MF Doom, RA the Rugged Man, Ruste Juxx, and is one half of the group known as Audimatic, with the Audible Doctor. This is Maticulous’ first full-length project. The LP consists of twelve tracks and has a run-time of 46min 40sec. Maticulous has made the album available as a limited edition cassette ($10), a limited edition CD ($12) and as a digital download ($11). As a producer, there’s two ways to go about an album; 1. Instrumentals, or 2. Featuring artists you best feel suite the aura of the beats (which Maticulous went with). Based on the diverse repertoire of artists that he features on this project, there’s a level of expectation and excitement. Maticulous features the likes of – Your Old Droog, Lil Flame of the Mash Out Posse aka M.O.P, Rah Digga, Rock of the legendary Heltah Skeltah, Gully Simpson, Hubbs, Greg Grease, Hassan Mackey, Beedie, Reach & Johnny Burgos of Brooklyn’s very own “Bridge City Hustle”, Masta Ace, Blu, Folkland and last but not least, yU of Diamond District. Now any REAL head across the globe would know, we’re in for a treat.

From the “Stellar intro” to the “Souled outro”, this album encompasses the essence of Hip Hop. There are no plastic or bubblegum tunes that were commercially tailored for radio play…. just good music. The album is an exhibition of what I’d call classic Hip Hop, boom-bap beats, soulful and captivating samples and powerful emcees with potent lyrics. Maticulous moves seamlessly between sounds (aura’s) as the beats progress and each song evokes emotional involvement. From that hardcore and “open hand to the face, get slapped shit”, to rolling through the hood easy vibes, there’s even that soulful uplifting sing-a-long and move from side-to-side feel. The more I listen to this album, the more I feel I understand exactly what his intention was behind the LP and in-turn, the more I find myself appreciating it.

Using his name for the title of the album was the perfect choice, this is Maticulous and you can clearly hear the golden era influences in his beats, the heart of Hip Hop through his features and how he perceives the sub-culture itself. Maticulous is not trying to impress anyone or trying to be something he’s not, he’s merely expressing his personal connection with the movement. The tracks on the album have old-school patronage while maintaining contemporary relevance, and his harmonious composition creates a musical articulation that is on point. The production (mixing and mastering) is top notch through-out and the quality is just the cherry on-top of one sweet-ass dessert.

For me, the best track goes to (drum-roll)…. *grabs the envelope – “Bet Your Life” feat Masta Ace and Blu with cuts by DJ Skizz! If you know the names of the two artists he features on this beat, and I assume you do being the heads that I know you are, you’ll know that these two artists are highly respected for their craft, this is old school and new school joining forces to create ART (fuuuuu…sssion…haaaaah!!!). The soulful beat set’s the perfect back drop for these two emcees who carry the theme flawlessly. Their flows are dope, dope, DOPE!!!! Why hasn’t anybody thought of this collaboration before? Either way, win lose or draw you can bet yo’ life!

All the beats are dope and the structure of the track-listing works perfectly. Maticulous manages to move you through the various exhibits without causing any conflict or hesitation with the observer. I give “The Maticulous LP” a rating of 4/5 Apocolyptic Punchlines (the highest score I have ever designated to a body of work… so far) it’s Hip Hop in its purest form and the production all-round is exemplary. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again… This one is definitely for the heads and is TOO dope not to have in your catalogue. So best you go and cop it!

It is evident that Maticulous has stayed true to the “classic Hip-Hop” influence and has manifested its significance in his life through, dare I say it, a master-piece. I’ll be listening to this for years to come. Maticulous, I tip my hat to you sir and salute you for keeping it REAL.

Check out the official video for – “Stellar Intro” feat Your Old Droog.

Get your copy here:

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