Search - 9th Wonder & Buckshot :: Formula

Chemistry can be found inside The Formula

D. Wilson | NY by way of Cali | 05/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Blending the stylings of underrated Black Moon frontman Buckshot, and former Little Brother producer 9th Wonder seemed like a definite recipe for success(to me at least) in 2005 when they released their debut album titled, "Chemistry." The result was a solid album, not quite as cohesive as it should have sounded(especially considering the CD's name); maybe it was rushed but the disc came off sounding like a good mix tape rather than the album that was expected. Well, fast forward to 2008 and the boys are back to give it another shot with "The Formula." Honestly, this album should have been titled "Chemistry" because Buckshot and 9th gel lovely this time around, from the intro(which is one of the best cuts on here) on down the line, there isn't a bad track to be found on here. Veteran MC Buckshot is solid as always, he's the type of MC who never leaves you thinking about his lyrics for very long after you listen to him, but he rides beats well and rarely delivers garbage on the mic(and he's at his best when he isn't on a gangster tip, which he isn't here thankfully... ever hear his solo "The BDI Thug?" No? Good, keep it that way...). 9th Wonder drops some of his best work in awhile too, keeping things fresh and switching up his drum beats and patterns nicely(which has been the main knock against him from the get-go). Though Buckshot will always sound the best over the rough and rugged stylings of Da Beatminerz, and 9th Wonder may never eclipse his brilliance with Little Brother, when two cats this talented get together you just gotta take notice... one of the best Hip Hop releases so far this year, check it out."

Even better this time around! The FORMULA has been achieved

D. Powell | New York City | 05/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just in case your not familiar this is the second time Buckshot and 9th Wonder have teamed up...They had a 4 star effort the first time with 2005's CHEMISTRY, and they decided to go back into the lab and find the FORMULA...Well like most scientists their antidote is working...as they continue to produce INCREDIBLE hip-hop music...as usual 9th's production never falters but I think what makes this different than the first time is that Buckshot seemed more inspired on this effort...he steps up his lyrical game and his flow is tighter than ever...Talib Kweli makes an appearance on here and the lyrics between him and Buckshot just sounds extremely right together with background vocals from Tyler Woods(The r&b cat of Justus League)...it's just a really strong effort and a classic in my eyes...one track just flows into the next one thanks to 9th and when you add that in with Buckshot increasing his vocal presence and inspirations on it and that can only mean one thing....CLASSIC!!!



Top 5 songs:

1.Ready(Brand New Day)

2.Hold It Down

3.No Future

4.Shinin Ya'll

5.Be Cool



Get this NOW....you will not be disappointed!"

9th Wonder & Buckshot "The Formula"- 4.75 Stars

Shaun Borowski | Buffalo, NY | 05/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"9th Wonder & Buckshot came back for their sophomore effort "The Formula", with a bang. After their first collaboration, Chemistry(About a half star less than this one IMO), 9th & Buckshot must've wanted something that sounded like they were both still hungry for the game. Buckshot sounds like he went back to his old self from the '90s. He indeed stepped his game up from the last outing. 9th Wonder, as always, delivers terrific production throughout. 9th is easily becoming the best young producer in the game today. The guest spots on the album are held to mostly soulful singing by the likes of Keisha

Shontelle, Tyler Woods, Carlitta Durand, etc. Talib Kweli drops by for one of the best verses on the album (I mean, it is Talib Kweli). Overall, 9th Wonder & Buckshot definitely brought their A game for this one. Highly recommended. 2008 is shaping up to be a great year for hip hop.



Lyrics- 8.5/10

Production- 9.5/10

Guest Appearances- 10/10

Overall Sound- 9/10



4.63



-Shaun B."