Upon acquisition of 'Home Field Advantage', I was in full expectation of lavish lyrical landscapades. These expectations were met, but not exceeded.

The High & Mighty present a style that features flashy beats, great lyricism and some phanatic scratching. There are many verses of lyrics that will blow your mind with their originality, rhyme, tightness and gosh-darned catchyness. This duo of Mr. Eon and Mighty Mi put together a well-refined version of headphone hip hop - if you can't grasp the words, then there is no point in listening. In fact, their style parallels that of The Roots, Mos Def & Talib Kweli.

"Dick Starbuck: Porno Detective" will leave you in awe - the making of a hit. A catchy beat, amazing lyrics that will turn your head in circles while telling a story that you might miss if you don't play close attention. It also features a great chorus: (female)"We shared drinks and such, I let you touch the stuff, then an hour later it was me you clutched. (male)Its much too much, girl you gotta hush. Play me in the end, now this I trust." "Hands On Experience Pt II" is another great track. It features Kool Keith, and reminds me of Cypress Hill's "I Remember that Freak Bitch". It's a hilarious song, once again the lyrics marvel. You gotta hear this one. The chorus doesn't fit in with the verses, but it reminds me of Big Tymers' "Cutlass, Monte Carlo's, & Regals". "Friendly Game Of Football" takes rap in football to a new level. This song's got a great beat, and only football related lyrics. The first single, "B-Boy Document 99" feat Mos Def pulls out a great beat, with amazing scratches.

The High & Mighty have put out an album that puts them on a level with some great lyrical hip hop artists. Their album is dedicated to the mind, not the pulse. That is what the root of hip hop truly is about, is it not? This album is definitely headed in the right direction. If you enjoy rappers whose lyrics have content, then you might seriously want to consider picking this album up. It content isn't as serious as it could be, but it still impressive. If you live for an amazing beat or for the mainstream flow, then this album probably isn't for you. Nonetheless, you might wanna give em a try.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written Sept 15, 1999