About Stefan Halley
Location: Malmo, Sweden
Occupation: Editor-in-Chief
Bio: Stefan has been writing reviews for seven years and started Pop Syndicate out of need to voice his mis-guided opinion.
Posts: 719
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Who would have thought one of the best hip-hop releases this year would be from two white boys from Brooklyn. Iller Than Theirs is made up of Tone Tank and Krayo. The twosome takes hip-hop back to its roots with simple, clean beats and shucks off all the over produced glossiness that dominates the genre today on their self-titled release.
Despite their boastful names, the duo isn’t looking to out-brag their competitors. ITT takes it back to the old school sound of late 90’s style hip-hop ala Tribe Called Quest or early Beastie Boys. They show their lyrical mastery but their vocals lack the delivery. I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t start writing for other acts in the future. You’re not going to find tracks about using guns, making dollas, bitches or drug use.
If there is a downside to Iller Than Theirs, they aren’t able to keep the excitement going for the full length of the CD. While some songs don’t work as well others in the long run, I see Tone Tank and Krayo producing other fledgling hip-hop acts over doing their own releases.
The eleven tracks are smart and are missing the vapidness of most rap CDs. There have been so many CDs released this year where everyone is trying to prove their street cred despite living in mansions, driving Beamers, and diamonds dripping off their body. It’s refreshing to hear a couple of guys rapping where you figure they probably are keeping it real and they might have a bit of trouble paying their rent. It took two white guys from Brooklyn to bring street cred back to hip-hop. Sorry 50 Cent, no one believes you’re still living it rough.
