Weathermen are usually unpredictable, I suppose because the weather itself is hard to predict. These Weathermen however, are not hard to figure out. The forecast calls for a mix of raw and witty rhymes with a downpour of ill beats. “The Conspiracy” is the first mixtape from the Eastern Conference/Def Jux massive consisting of Copywrite, Cage, El-P, Camu Tao, Vast Aire, Breezly Brewin, Jakki, Tame One and Yak. With their debut LP “The New Left” coming this fall, this mixtape is just the calm before the storm.
Using the ever-popular trend of rhyming over today’s favorite beats and mixing some exclusives in between, the Weathermen showcase their considerable talents at every turn. Unquestionably, Copywrite is the vocal point here. Not just because he makes the most appearances (along with Cage), but because he is just so fucking nice. After bringing his classic one-liners over Nas’ “Made You Look,” (“your only criminal record is BDP’s first album”), Copy sounds mad polished on his exclusive solo cut “10 Times.” In a combination that no underground cat thought they’d hear, El-P and Camu Tao get loose over Missy’s “Gossip Folks.” This is your chance to hear El-P’s dope Missy impression and hear Camu rock with Luda’s flow. Sadly, this is El-Producto’s sole appearance and Vast only makes one himself. Where the Jukies at?
Well-known beats used by Erick Sermon (“React”), Baby (“What Happened To That Boy”), 50 Cent (“Back Down”)and Trina (“Be Alright”) may lure in the commercial-oriented listener, but at least that will give them the chance to hear the dope emcees they overlook. Regardless of who is listening though, scorching heat is brought every track, especially the exclusives. Yak’s “Volume” is a hypnotizing little track with Yak’s always present attitude and clever rhymes. Vast continues his winning streak with another ill verse on “Chris Lighty,” a good track with Camu. Taking a fresh song and making it fresher, Rjd2 gives “5 Left In The Clip” the remix treatment and blows the roof off.
Weather or not you are familiar with the Weathermen posse individually or collectively, on listen to “The Conspiracy” and you’ll understand the downpour of praise these cats receive. “The New Left” is sure to be a scorcher and this album certainly gets you amped for it. The very prospect of a 9 man posse cut is enough for me. Find out the forecast for yourself.
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