A Bay Area representative and Executive Lounge member, Encore is one of too many emcees from this region that remains anonymous to the majority of the hip-hop world. His excellent 2000 debut “Self-Preservation” on Automater’s 75 Ark never got the recognition it truly deserved and if the past months have been any indication, “The Layover” will suffer similarly. Encore has taken a different route with his sophomore effort, enlisting Hiero Imperium to release the album and cutting back on Architect’s workload by adding the production talents of Jake One and Vitamin D.
With his ever growing resume, Jake One is becoming a producer to watch and his work on this album is ample evidence of that. The opening title track boasts some of the years best production, particularly when he brings in the horns to compliment the call-and-response chorus. He uses horns to similar success on “Zigga Zigga” as Encore commands the mic with noticeable confidence. The icing on the cake is the silky smooth “The Schizm,” topped off by a great sung hook by Nathan Thomas. Encore does some of his best work here too as he delves into the dating game; “aw shit, you know my reaction/baby girl fronted on my one life passion/asking why my raps ain’t cashed in/actin’ like she want her grill smashed in.” As he proved on “.084” years ago, he is at his best when the subject matter turns serious. “My Way Home” is no exception as he thanks his parents for their tutelage over Jake’s gentle keys. “Essentially Yours” also needs to be mentioned just for the sheer chemistry the emcee and the producer display.
Vitamin D is no slouch either, bringing some heat with the minimalist thumps of “Break Bread” and backing Encore and Ladybug Mecca nicely as they trade rhymes on “Real Talk.” As mentioned, longtime producer Architect is still in tow and he is still bringing the goods. Look for further visceral horns fueling the fires set by Encore and Pep Love as they blaze “City Livin.'”
The LP plays pretty seamlessly from front to back, only being interrupted by some irritating skits. Encore’s delivery is authoritative and his skills have no trouble keeping pace with the formidable production. Yet much like his peer Rasco, his lack of a distinct voice and catchy punchlines keep him from getting his due. However, those who are listening will be asking the same thing Jay was months ago; can I get an encore?
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7.5/10
