Naughty By Nature
iicons
TVT
Not so naughty anymore, their latest album, iicons takes a step away from their early hip-hop classic roots. After disappearing for three years, Naughty By Nature makes a less than triumphant comeback. This represents the first time Vinnie and Treach have released an album without longtime DJ and Producer Kay Gee. Even before opening the CD, my greatest concern was that Naughty By Nature would take the sad route so many other artists have, dying by way of MTV mainstream culture with boyband sell-out lyrics and dance beat styles. I was gladly mistaken. So I drove home with the bass up, the windows down and a smile on my face, letting the waves of Naughty By Nature melodies wash over me.
Though not groundbreaking by any means, iicons reaffirms that Naughty still has some of their original sound and old school beats, but introduces a different feel, and much to their credit, a good one. The best aspects remain: Treach still has a killer flow and Vinnie is as poetic as ever, but this album lacks the trademark Naughty high-hat beats and catchy hooks.
Lately, numerous artists have decided to team up, and NBN adds some of this year's best to its ensemble. Treach isn't shy about shouting his group's place in hip-hop history throughout the album with words like "When you say 'Naughty by Nature,' you say the word 'icon.'" The Illtown, New Jersey duo has been around since the early '90s and have produced numerous smash hits (most notably "O.P.P." and "Hip Hop Hooray") that helped elevate other rappers to more mainstream pop culture while maintaining their ever-important street credibility.
Treach's sharp flow and lyrical style, combined with Vinnie's personable delivery, are greatly complimented by an array of producers and guests. Da Beatminerz lays a squealing trumpet riff throughout "Naughty by Nature," adding emphasis to Carl Thomas's reggae influenced track. Later, Pink's alternative sultry vocals and dry asides power the beat packing "What U Wanna Do," while "Feels So Good" is a fantastic dance-oriented treat thanks to powerful chorus by 3LW.
The question is, is Naughty By Nature still able to pump out the monster jams of years past? The answer in a word, is yes.
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