Crhyme Fam :: The EP XL :: In Ya Ear Entertainment
as reviewed by Pedro [bad word] #39; Hernandez

Hailing from the infamous QueensBridge housing projects, Crhyme Fam has a strong reputation to uphold. The fact that the crew managed to make a buzz and get [bad word] from a hood that has spawned hip-hop greats such as Nas, Cormega, and Mobb Deep is reason enough to garner attention. Crhyme Fam even manages to gather an impressive [bad word] of guest producers/emcees for their debut EP, "The Ep XL." On the production tip Psycho Les (of The Beatnuts), Lord Finesse, and The Alchemist make an appearance each and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep) drops some vocals for the EP's single, "The Realest." Thankfully, Crhyme Fam backs this feat up with solid music proving they are not just not just trying to take advantage of their QB legacy, but are trying to add their own brand of street-hop to it

The EP starts off with an intro that, were it not for a smooth soul-sampled beat, might be easily skipped. The crew, probably realizing this, keeps it short, dropping a few words before going into "Watch." Produced by Lord Finesse, the track is driven by a creeping bass line and serves as a better intro for the group as they explain just what Crhyme Fam is about. Group member Cash Dro's first verse on the track captures the essence of Crhyme Fam:

"This is for the record, it's either ride or respect it
My niggas will leave you leaking just for speaking so reckless
You think you gangsta cuz you sleep with a vest, [bad word] 
Too much money invested, I merk you leave in a lexus
You wanna bling? I might just leave you my necklace
So you can shine on your way to heaven, riding the next [bad word] 
I stayed loyal, always stuck to the script
When the coke drop, cash is on the block stuck on the strip
In one spot as if we're stuck in cement
Crack and matics stuck up under the bench
I swear I'm under the [bad word]  cops was looking I was under the whip
It's funny how these niggas seem to forget
I live my life on [bad word] 
man with honor I'd give my life for my son
And you a coward only reason you breathing is cause I allow it
You get devoured shot stomped and outted
Believe it or not that [bad word] Cash Dro is bout it"

The rest of the crew and the remainder of the album follow the formula of hardcore street lyrics with enough one-liners to keep you listening. "Gangsta" is more of the same from the group and features signature QB production by Ax Trax as the 70's soul sound created by the guitars and strings on this track would sound at home on any Mobb Deep or Mega album. Ax Trax goes for more of a club/party feel on "Vibe With Me" and though its not a terrible track, coupled with the crew's generic lyrics this song misses the mark.

ETAN manages to bring the album back to its QB roots with the mellow guitar and stirring string arrangement on "Backout." Crhyme Fam remains [bad word] to their name and style on this track spitting street inspired lyrics with occasional witty lines. "The Realest" follows and as the EP's official single it handles its job well, but it definitely could have been better. Ben Grimm provides the group a pounding beat reminiscent of some of Mobb Deep's hits and Prodigy sounds good on the track, but ultimately the hook is an uninspired take on the Mobb's "Survival of the [bad word] " Psycho Les' contribution to the album is actually very disappointing because it consists of a remake of Positive K's "I Gotta Man." The fact that Les produced means little as anyone could have handled such a remake equally well. The track is definitely a change of pace from the crew's usual fare as they thug out a classic party song, but it probably would have been best left as a mixtape track as it really doesn't add to the original.

Ben Grimm returns for "Curiosity" and delivers an average track, though the crew soun