Review By: MJ AKA Marissa J. Lonardo

Artist: Hi Tek
Genre: Hip-Hop
Album Title: Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip

Guest Features:
J Dilla, Talib Kweli, Nas, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes, The Game, Q-Tip, Dion, Common, Jadakiss, Kurupt, Lil Tone, Strong Arm Steady, Ayak, Devin The Dude, Papoose, Xzibit, Haze, Marsha A of Floetry, Nok, Bun B, Pretty Ugly, Ayak, and The Willie Cottrell Band.

Artists Stats:
Hi-Tek started his rap career with hip hop group Mood. Hi-Tek was also signed to Rawkus Records. Hi-Tek is currently working as a staff producer for Aftermath Entertainment and its affiliates and currently signed to Babygrande Records.

Album Assessment: Hi-Tek, may be best known for being a producer, but with the release of his sophomore album “Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip” being a producer will have to coincide with now being known as an ill MC. The one thing that really stands out from the first listen is that Hi-Tek has been able to not only hold his own, but also produce some of his finest tracks to date. Highlights on the album include “Music for Life” featuring J Dilla (RIP), Nas, Common, Busta Rhymes, and Marsha A of Floetry. The track is the last but as they say, save the best for last and he did a wonderful track with masterful verses from every artist and great vocals by Marsha. “Where It Started At (NY)” featuring Dion, Jadakiss, Papoose, Talib Kweli, & Raekwon stands out, although we need another NY song like a hole in the head. I have to say this one is the best by far. The track “Keep It Moving” featuring Q-Tip and Kurupt definitely keeps you moving, and “Can We Go Back” featuring Talib Kweli and Ayak lending vocal prowess, is one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Although the production and rhymes are on point throughout the album, and there really aren’t any bad songs, there is one major flaw with the album. It has too many features. The features are great but since Tek has flow and the ability to make hot rhymes, with the ability to produce amazing tracks, there’s no need to have a feature on every track. A one song dolo would have brought the album over the top. However, overall the album is a top-notch piece of Hip-Hop art at it’s finest. Hi-Tek has been able to tell his stories and transform his journeys into masterful rhymes with the help of great MC’s and vocalists. This album is a definite recommend for all the true Hip-Hop fans out there, and worth every cent.