The second generation weighs in on the idea of accessibility
The advancement of technology has drastically impacted the music industry. Now anybody can create, as long as they have some kind of electronic media and an idea. However, there are many people who don’t have access to those luxuries. iNTeLL takes a moment to wonder, “What would happen if we provided those people with the technological means to create?” The son of Wu-Tang Clan member U-God and member of 2nd Generation Wu released Computers For The Hood, an 11-track album full of collaborations with hip-hop legends to further the question at hand.
“Computers For…?” kicks off the album with the high-pitched filter on vocals saying, “you get a computer, and you get a computer.” Shortly after, iNTeLL raps over the drum-focused beat. “Horahhh” features Del the Funky Homosapien. When talking about the collaboration, he said, “He is not only one of my lyrical mentors but one of the dopest emcees to exist.” The context of this track is focused on moving forward and helping those you love. At the end is a skit where the two characters notice the van filled with computers inside.
“Now I Know” has Lomel taking hold of the melodic vocals on the song while Method Man provides his own verse. The veteran and iNTeLL exchange lines on their talent, how their competition can’t compare and what it took to get to the point they are at. The sample-heavy “Motherboards” feels like you’re being transported into the height of hip-hop’s emergence. The slick drum pattern meshes with the sampled vocals allowing for iNTeLL, Tahmell (son of Rakim) and Mickey Factz to match their flows perfectly on it.
“Django Hardware” is the harshest song of the album, with the heavy drum beat at the forefront, sampled vocals and an echoing synth. iNTeLL’s delivery shows the passion behind the words he says. At the end, Prema777 gives a powerful and uplifting poem about hardware, connection and how despite the flaws, there will still be a way to make it work and become successful. It seamlessly transitions into “Know The Gospel” with R.A. the Rugged Man and LDonthecut. The inclusion of the choir vocals gives R.A. the Rugged Man’s famous descriptive language and LDonthecut’s rhyme scheme and flow weight behind their words. “…The Hood?” ends the album, coming full circle to complete the album name. In the form of the final skit, the two characters from before decide to rob the van. However, the stolen computers will be given to the children in the neighborhood.
While the idea for the album was present for a while, a creative burnout and the addition of the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for the rapper to continue on. Despite it all, with the help of producer DLP, he created the perfect sound of modern and old school hip-hop with a feature list a hip-hop head could only dream of. Computers For The Hood is an open dialogue that allowed for both new artists and older ones to weigh in on. Access to create is everything. If there is any chance those underprivileged people can obtain software of any kind, the art and ideas that will come to fruition will be beautiful.
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