Label: Babygrande

Grade: A

Dopeness Percentage: 81%

Highlight: Put Em In The Grave

Also Download: Outlive The War, Black Winter Day, When All Light Dies

Overview: Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell is the fifth album from the indie hip hop superstars, Jedi Mind Tricks. Vinnie Paz and Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind definitely do their thing on this album, as they have consistently over the past decade. Lyrically Vinnie is as sharp as ever, combining his politically-charged fire and ferocious battle raps, while Stoupe blends live instrumentation and clever sampling to make each track stand on its own legs. Often when a producer and emcee collaborate on an entire album, the feel can get tiresome and mundane. The difference here is that DJ Kwestion cuts up almost every track with unique precision and guest appearances by the likes of Ill Bill and Sean Price make the vocals energetic and hungry throughout. The album’s first full-track, “Put Em In The Grave” is straight fire, with Kwestion cuttin’ up Fat Joe and Jay-Z samples in a Primo-style manner. “Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story” has Vinnie Paz and R.A. the Rugged Man exchanging verses from the viewpoints of American soldiers. It’s not often that a song makes you think and bob your head all at the same time.

On the lead single, “Heavy Metal Kings,” Ill Bill and Vinnie sound like the most natural of collaborators, slaying the orchestra inspired banger. There are many similarities to JMT and Non-Phixion, and the best of both shine on this track. On “Razorblade Salvation,” Stoupe reinterprets Sufjan Stevens’ “Dumb I Sound,” with a haunting chorus from indie rock frontwoman, Diamond Girl. This track serves a manifesto to struggling with suicidal thoughts. On “Outlive the War,” Sean Price and Block McCloud bring heat to a crazy theatrical backdrop. Other guest appearances include Reef The Lost Cauze and Chief Kamachi on the dope “Gutta Music.” It’s hard to put a negative spin on this album. The intro, along with the 3 interludes, could cause for some fast forward moments. At the same time, you could argue that they make this joint more cinematic and complete. Servants in Heaven should most definitely get your blood pumping and your mind wandering. Turn up the volume and enjoy pure hip hop done right.

Dopeness Percentage - Takes into account how many dope songs there are compared to tracks on the album. For example, if an album had 14 tracks and 5 of them were dope, you have a Dopeness of 36%.

Posted by J-Hize on Sunday, March 25th, 2007 and is filed under SICKWIDIT, REVIEWS, CD.