Written By Kaia Karamoko

It has been ten years.

The world has been forced to place Blackout! on constant replay.

Both veterans have released numerous successful projects. Nonetheless, the question stands, is this bout simply collaboration from “the” ultimate dynamic duo purely for nostalgic sake? And if it is will that be enough for the fans that knows there is no “judgement day” without Tical or that dare iz [no] darkside without Muddy Waters?

Have I mentioned it’s been ten years already?

I’m not going to say that the album is bad but that rather fans get stuck on the initial persona of the favorite artist and fail to realize that they too change.

Method Man and Redman will always be true to the game no doubt, but ten years is enough time to transform ten times. Nonetheless, these are two dudes that will always have a following because despite slight modifications they remain factual.

These days “real talk” is a joke.

Before listening to the album, I browsed the track listings. Off bat, I knew that “Diz Is 4 All My Smokers” was going to be a live joint. “How High” is still clearly one of their motivations. “Dangerous Mcees” has a gorgeous, golden, ‘90s sound thanks to Erick Sermon. “4 Minutes 2 Lock Down” has Wu brothers Raekwon and Ghostface Killah.

The flow is present however, Blackout! 2 is not ruffled enough; it doesn’t quite sound like I’m still stealing cable from my neighbors unknowingly. It’s almost as if my neighbors found the fat, black cord and they’re ready to cut.

Where is the “Da Rockwilder” part 2 or a “Y.O.U.” joint?

The truth is if you grew up with Meth and Red, Blackout! 2 is great but if your introduction to Hip Hop started with downloads and you’ve never had cassette tape it’s probably above your listening range. For earphone’s sake, it will hurt no one if you clear your ears of the excess wax.

Watch the “Mrs. International” official video and see how the brothers make pale blue cool. Buy the album and choose your favorites.