In a lot of ways, Big Quarters' debut album "Cost of Living" complicates the Twin Cities rap scene, but in a good way. As the duo of Brandon Allday and Medium Zach drop fourteen very respectable (and heavily political) tracks over stunningly consistent production, Big Quarters just may be the next "will the make it" group on the scene.
Of the two Medium Zach is the better producer, his work highlighted by such tracks as "Beacons 2.0," which features a soft horn melody, and "Song for Brown Babies," which features a subtle xylophone over drum hits which manage to be simultaneously abrasive and laid back.
Conversely Allday has the better rap voice, a deep and smooth baritone best exemplified on the chorus of "Lou Diamond" where he weaves his way through the line "My branch find peace amidst violence sleep through sirens and identify with Lou Diamond."
"Cost of Living" only contains two guest rap spots, highlighted by an in-your-face guest from Rhymesayers own I Self Devine on "How to Kill Your Rap Career." I Self's verse on the track has an unforgiving and sarcastic tone, informing the masses that "People don't wanna think they wanna kick it / It's all about ho's, clothes and riches."
The only dead weight on the album is the lame and recycled "Call Me," a song about promoting in the music industry (and yes, the number mentioned actually is Allday's cell phone number). All in all it's a very solid effort, worth the trip and then some.
www.bigquarters.com
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