As hip-hop heads wait patiently over a decade later for the heavily rumored premier and nas album at least they got a pleasant surprise last week with the coldest profession. The surprise drop by roc Marciano fully produced by dj premier sees premiers production taking a nostalgic turn with beats heavily reminiscent of his earlier work apart of gangstar with the late guru, laying the soundscape for rocs lowfi vivid storytelling. At only 8 songs this EP doesn't overdo its welcom e and the few criticisms I have with especially the beginning of the album become irrelevant because it's short length has you like a junkie feinding for more. On a production level this is the best we have seen from premier since his master class work on group homes livin proof in 95. Yes I know that's a bold statement to make since the certified classic moment of truth as part of gangstar dropped in 98 but it could be the nostalgic vibes talking but in my honest opinion premiers production on the coldest profession is even better. At first I was worried rocs quite yet chilling vocal delivery wouldn't fit well with the smooth polished instrumentals premier laces here and while it did slightly bother me on the opening track Armani section rocs cinematic and complex rhyme schemes end up entrancing you. The second half of this EP is where I found myself less bothered by the more hushed roc over polished production with my personal favorite track on the album glory hole. Premier layers blaring horns over a sped up click track that perfectly complements rocs signature hush flow internal rhyme schemes and from there on it just clicks for me. After the album was done I wanted more and listened again immediately and my original nitpick with the first half vanished. As of now it's my album of the year and I'm pretty confident it will still be in consideration at the end of the year
Rating
9 out of ten
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