By: Elijah Carroll
Artist: Statik Selektah
Title: 100 Proof (The Hangover)
Label: Brick Records
Genre: Hip-Hop : Rap
UPC: 765481009835
Territory: World
Release Date: 02.02.10

The wait is finally over. After dropping the lead single and lead-up EP late last year, the new Statik Selektah full-length is here! Featuring too many standout rappers to even list here Stat’s latest offering is a clear sign that he has taken his game to the next level. No longer just an underground beatmaker, Stat has truly become the new go-to producer laying down joints for albums by Lloyd Banks, M.O.P., Foxy Brown, Saigon and even executive producing The Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack for Rockstar Games. While many producer-based hip hop albums end up sounding more like unofficial mixtapes, Stat’s  well developed style and expert mixing allow 100 Proof to avoid that pitfall. What we get instead is a soul-filled sample-laden banger. At 17 tracks this is a true LP, not some 7 track EP with few remixes tacked on.

100 Proof starts off smooth as butter with “So Close, So Far.” Bun B’s deep vocals flow over Stat’s laid back production easing us into the record. Wale also delivers a solid verse and Colin Munroe’s vocals fit nicely as a hook. Stat wastes no time getting in to this record dropping the lead single “Critically Acclaimed” next. Featuring Lil Fame, Saigon and Sean P this track really knocks. Exemplifying Stat’s signature style of big booming beats, deftly cut samples and live cuts and scratches “Critically Acclaimed” reminds us how Stat got where he is today. “Night People” is a real radio banger replete with an R&B chorus and a soul vocal sample. Expect to hear this one on Hot97 shortly. On “Drunken Nights” Reks, Joe Scudda and J.F.K. reflect on the mistakes made under the influence. Giving some real meaning to the album title this track remains easy to nod to while carrying a real message.

The track order is clearly thought out and of course well mixed, which allows 100 Proof to flow seamlessly from track to track. With so many different rappers it’s amazing Stat manages to pull off this feat. With beats ranging from the mellow “So Close, So Far,” to the upbeat and fun “Laughing” to the more gangsta “Follow We,” Stat showcases his range and versatility. Easily my #1 track “The Thrill Is Gone” features 2 of my favorite NY (now-not-so) underground rappers and a great Biggie sample cut over a laid back boom-bap beat. Styles P and Talib Kweli kill it as usual dropping their effortless flows over Stat’s musical accompaniment. There are no let downs at the end of this record as the last 6 tracks feature some of the best production. “The Coast” stands out and fits perfectly with Evidence, Kali and Fashawn’s west coast flows. Overall 100 Proof lives up to it’s name and further solidifies Stat’s place in the upper echelon of hip-hop producers.

Grab a copy of “Night People” to take with you:

Statik Selektah
“Night People (feat. Freeway, Red Cafe & Masspike Miles)” (mp3)
from “100 Proof (The Hangover)”
(Brick Records)

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