Search - Encore :: Layover

Encore- Layover

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 03/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Encore second album "Layover" (2004) is a memorable release. This is the first first work I have heard from him, and I find that Encore delivers a unique album definetly worth checking out. Lyrically he is a good MC, who drops grounded intelligent lyrics, backed by some impressive production (Jake One, Vitamin D, Architect). At thirteen tracks (plus 1 skit) this is a short release, with a number of standout tracks. After intro the pumped up title track "Layover" has Encore waking people while talking about the rap game. Next comes "Break Bread", a track with a laidback beat, and a hungry determined Encore. My personal favourites come midaway and later in the album. The first of these is "The Schizm" feat. R & B singer Nathan Thomas , an outstanding track about love and a lady. The beat and concept to "Home" are just ill, Encore delivers a premium talk when talking about his genuine love for his parents and giving thanks. Encore's duet with the tight (hot) sounding Ladybug Mecca on "Real Talk", is just one of those chilled out cuts that makes me think of my woman. The fastpaced "City Livin'" feat. Pep Love is another decent collabration. Encore hooks up again with Nathan Thomas on the excellent "Faithful" an upbeat feel good track, on which Encore drops some addictively nice introspective lyrics. I would not really regard any tracks as weak on this, though a few do fall under skip material for me. Encore does shine on a number of tracks , making "Layover" an album I would recommend getting if your looking for more then the ordinary, and appreciate an MC who can deliver the goods while simply being himself."

Layover - First In Flight,right on time

a_brother_named_george | West End, Bay Area, United States | 03/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Encore steps up the game on this follow-up to Self Preservation.When I first heard 'Core on Self Preservation I was taken back by his voice;booming,strong,passionate all in the same.Then I began to REALLY listen... this cat has some ridiculously raw lyrics.A talented emcee,Encore brought Northwest producers extraordinaire Vitamin D and Jake One to work alongside Architect (one of the most underrated producers out)on this new album.The end result,big bangers.Standout tracks include 'Layover','Zigga Zigga',and 'The Schizm'(My personal fave).
Do yourself a favor and pick up the most complete hip-hop release thus far for 2004."

This album is so good!

hiphophoney | Los Angeles, CA | 03/13/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Encore has a great voice! I really love the song with Ladybug, "Real Talk", but "The Schizm" is my favorite song on the album. Anyone who likes good music will enjoy Layover. It reminds me of Common or Talib Kweli on the production, but Encore has his own voice. I will be listening to this album for a long time!"