Mellohigh's "Mellohigh" Review

I've been an Odd Future fan for a minute, from an overall standpoint when the group first got together people criticized the artists for their inability to compile a full-length cohesive project (I too was in this group). However as the group progressed naturally growth has ensued and 2013 is where the group has show the work they've put in. Tyler the Creator, The Internet, Earl Sweatshirt this year have all put out very solid and improved works from their previous efforts. The 2013 campaign continues with MellowHigh which is a collaboration between Mellowhype (Hodgy Beats x Left Brain) and Domo Genesis. I've been excited for this release since its announcement, let's see how this record stacks up Let me say first off that this might be the best project that all three of these guys' have released. Left Brain brings some of the best production that he's brought in his career. And Domo Genesis...man, I don't know what's gotten into him, but it's like every since he dropped “No Idols” this man has been going nuts. He's been smashing guest verses left and right and has had many wondering what his next project will be like. And Domo followed suit on this release here. Now Hodgy on the other hand I honestly feel like he fell short on this album and was easily outshine but his rap partner in crime. Hodgy had a couple gems on the record where he kept up with Domo, but the majority of the album was Domo leaving Hodgy in the dust “Air” was one of the tracks on the album where both emcees for the most part seemed to come with the same amount of dopeness on the track. Domo just rips the verse calling out all doubters and haters with battle rap bars that will probably make your little sister cry. Hodgy starts off a bit slow, however he picks up everything halfway in and actually gets pretty personal speaking on his depression and then continues with the braggadocios rhymes. “Extinguisher” is another song where the battle raps continue and Hodgy opens up the album with just a stellar verse, where he changes his voice a bit to sound more gruff and aggressive and it's massively on point. Domo keeps his consistency on his verse and the two even toss the mic back and forth on the last verse. It's clear these two have chemistry and it shines on the last verse of this album The low point on this album comes in the form of tracks on the latter half of the album, “Get N' Drunk” and “Roofless”. I can almost give a pass to “Roofless” because it's clearly a performance joint, it's a hype joint that watchers can just lose their mind to (kind of like Tyler's "TrashWang").“Get N' Drunk” was more of a party anthem which was to be expect when thes two get together and is sort of in the same lieu of “High Life” which naturally features Curren$y and Smoke DZA. While these three tracks are fun tracks it sort steered away from the consistency the album had up to that point “Cold World” is probably my favorite and most consistent joint on this album, with features from Remy Banks and Earl Sweatshirt. All four emcees bring fantastic verses to the track and Left Brain provides a dark soundscape. Cold (see what I did there), but still determined verses come from the camp, relaying that these guys came from the ground up and are here to take over the rap game. “Troublesome 2013” is another favorite and has the Domo and Hodgy showing a bit of vulnerability and frustration in life in general. These two guys are working hard on what they do and while they're still thankful for their opportunity, they're not close to done with their progress Mellohigh's debut album is the best effort I've heard from either of these emcees, progress is being made from both of these guys and it is notable. Domo Genesis is easily the star on this record lyrically and has brought his bars to another level since his last release. Hodgy has partially stepped up his game and it's a bit more focused, but I found myself being bored with his verses. Domo commanded the mic and he continues to sound hungry to get better and succeed. Left Brain's beats aren't too experimental and stays in the safe lane and that is not a problem at all. He brings consistency to the sound of the project and both Hodgy and Domo fit on the production. Fans of anyone in this group will enjoy this project, newcomers may be stirred away, by the lack of consistency lyrically on some songs. I say give the release a chance because you might really like, be careful though because you might not feel it either. Let me know how you guys feel about this one, leave a comment below fam!