The leader from a legendary underground Hip Hop group named Black Moon once asked in 1993, “Who Got Da Props?” Well, Buckshot is that mic controller holding congratulatory ratings with his newly released chemical compound called The Formula. Two elements combined, 9th Wonder and Buckshot, drop volatile substance in the sense of a vivacious album – feel good music.
An intonation characterized by jubilance compels minds to pay substantial attention as Buck verbalizes his diligence in grinding. At the same time, it is celebratory as his vocals still consist of
the trademark attribute best described as eerily suspenseful – even when speaking romantically of the ladies but doesn’t sound out of place. Surprisingly, this album is just as much for the ladies as the fellas – if not, more! The pioneer LL Cool J or a chipper rapper like Nelly usually have the “get away” passes for doing a whole album referencing the hunnies. Buck definitely refrains from the album being an overall polemic as he spits:
No more controversy, ya’ll heard me! Use to be front page, now he in the back thirsty and personally I nurture to seize show’em like Hercules, you heard me? The birds be on a mission to fly south I be on the East Coast mission to ride out – in the Beamer listenin’ to Ether, you one in the speaker I don’t respect cheaters, see just play the foul for now cuz if you in my front view then I’m plowin’ you down I come through when I rep yet no question, this is Bucktown Duckdown soon as I step in, yes man, this is how I bless them
After “Go All Out” (the radio single), he gets really serious for the first time on “No Future”. However, Buck addressing real life problems peaks on “Hold It Down” with a collaborative effort from Talib Kweli. Buckshot admits he is not different than many of his listeners in this song. While Tyler Woods croons the choruses, perseverance is the subliminal message conveyed by Buck:
It’s hard enough being a Black man or Brown man Right now, we held down man And you can tell we in hell now man Let’s get to heaven cuz we hell bound man (Let’s hold it down…)
The latter part of the album becomes more geared toward topical females. But one song in particular, "Whassup With You", demonstrates Buck’s ability to take Hip Hop heads into his past as he vividly reminisces melodically to the time of the early 90’s when he was so successful independently. It really isn’t a wonder why Tupac Shakur wanted to sign him to his emerging Makaveli Records back in the mid-90’s. One Nation we’re to be a conglomerate of East Coast rappers Pac thought were the best out of NY and to ultimately end the whole so-called East Coast/West Coast beef. However, Duckdown just didn’t see success on a major equal to that of its underground days. Some rap artists just belong in theDTM Mag and never in Vibe.
Pac gave Buck the moniker The BDI Thug for a reason. It fits his personae. He is not the heartthrob type as his lyrical “Just Display” can be perceived as problematic confessions. Again, he pulls it off only due to the reinforced radiance of 9th Wonder’s soulful production. Otherwise, Buckshot still sounds best spitting the gritty Street Hop like that of “Man Listen”.
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