- Music
- 07 Apr 01
On this, their international debut, Major Figgas exhibit plenty of self-aggrandising statement but not enough in the way of old-fashioned substance.
On this, their international debut, Major Figgas exhibit plenty of self-aggrandising statement but not enough in the way of old-fashioned substance.
That’s not to say these six guys – and one girl – display nothing of worth. The vocals are sharp, the music complementary and sometimes, as on ‘Is It My Style’ and ‘What U Know ‘Bout Ballin’?’ actively genre-bending in its blend of eighties synth with vociferous rap.
What Figgas 4 Life lacks is distinction between the seven voices on display. Although the clan are tight, there’s no harsh rasp of a Busta Rhymes going off, no crazy whine of Beastie Boys-style madness. The words race in one ear and proceed just as quickly out the other.
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There’s little, in short, to lift these Philadelphian rappers out of the ordinary and into the mould they’ve cast for themselves.
Respect has to be earned.