‘We On’ Review

Every once and awhile titans in hip hop, feel the need to combine forces to state exactly who they are, what they’re living like, and where there going – the top. Loosely connected lyrical legends like Big and Jay, Jay and Big L, and Nas and AZ, devastate through studio sessions in masterpieces of technique. The heat of the duel raises the stakes for a rapper’s verse. The first must protect his flow with blistering finesse, hoping not to be overshadowed. The second has a chance to shatter the song and leave that memorable sting in your ear. Some blend the process and trade jabs, switching at an ear splitting pace. Classics like Brooklyn’s Finest, and How Ya Livin’ are prime examples. This ladder strategy has been classically reinvented in the duet “We On” by Gemini and Lupe.

The song are arrives not a moment too soon. In Recent years lyrically sparing has been sparse at best. Most of the elite rappers, i.e. paid rappers, eschew head-head combat with solidified talent. There are two useful ways they avoid it: they either hop on a track with four or five other artists, a couple heavyweights, a few rising stars, a good mixed bag. Don’t worry about having the best verse, because of the sheer girth of the lyrics presented, there is no clear juxtaposition, and most loyal fans will defend the merit of their favorite rapper above all others (example: I’m so Hood remix, with Luda and Wayne and few other non-notables). Or, they still duel with a rapper one on one; you just have to make sure to pick on someone that isn’t your size

(Example: New Cash Money, with Wayne and Brisco – I know, ‘Weezy and who again?’ The larger-than-life status Wayne posses on the track would be sufficient to exhibit his superiority over Brisco, but the real kicker is Brisco’s feet-kissing, ‘thank ya, massa’, lyrics,

Your so genius,

Dats my word you know I got you twin,
You a real nigga dog, thanks for lettin me in.)

But have no fear; Thanks to a Chicago duo, the studio battle, is alive and well. In the midst of Chi-Town’s golden age, Lupe Fiasco and Gemini have delivered a brilliant mêlée for Hip Hop Heads to enjoy for years. The message and theme is simple: We are Chicago, and yes we are on.

Cleverly synchronized and lyrically bodacious the track will demand repeat more than any track since you were ‘pressing rewind atop your master disk.’ To a serenading chorus, and a spacious, airy sample, these two are in full throat ripping through their lyrics. Gemini’s baritone lines are said in Twista like almost reckless velocity. A strong contrast to Lupe’s cerebral style, Gemini’s flow is visceral and penetrating. Despite a more simply constructed scheme and a more material aim Gemini keeps pace with Lupe’s talent and depth. Unlike Brisco’s inferior style, Gemini never shies away from the presence of the more established star, challenging him with potent rhyme schemes.

Never Met A Nigga Even This Cold,
Watch Chevy’s everywhere 23's 24's,
Nothin But Tha Best Tv Screens On Tha Doors
Try To Get It How You Livin When You Livin In Tha Gold

Lupe is still Lupe. And as he is wont to do, he kills. His sharp clever syllables and acute rhythms steal the show. More than on his tight thematic albums, Lupe’s guest performances often display a flow that is at once loose and precise. ON this track Lupe showcases craftsmanship in layered bars that ,quiet frankly, border, on daredevil complexity. Lupe yet again explores a new level of wit. Even as Gemini was finishing one of his more memorable bar sets, Lupe rises above with cool precision.

Well im all like No chrome No tence fo' phones
Just case E.T wanna go home,
Never chase, coz of me there is no jones,
Levitate from tha sea-floor to tha O-Zone,

Despite the artists' respective individual quality, the rappers’ bar combos and switches are truly the inspired moments of the track. The break-neck speed is complemented sublimely by sprinkled dynamic punch lines. Each rapper, equally class in their role as both the player-maker and the finisher. With refined chemistry each rapper exhibits humility and talent in their fraternity and trade. The two artists redraw the boundaries of this time honored Hip Hop tradition.

Gotta understand this is who we are,
People murder service in Carmde-De-Garca
Any given time we purchase them new cars,
Somebody call tha children we hurtin' em too hard,
Us takin' tha light,
Thats takin it too far,
What you expect playboy we two stars,
Screw stars,
We the new Mars,
Lookin for a venus, nigga you a G

Time will tell if Gemini has the cult appeal and staying power of his counterpoint, but this track shows us that one thing for sure: Chicago is on.