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Toledo natives score big Locals bring consciousness back to hip hop Chevonne Harris Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Arts & Life PrintEmail Article Tools Page 1 of 2 next > Ohio has never been known as a hip-hop mecca, but with the release of FlowMatique: Rise of the True Mc's by hip-hop duo DraMatiQue and Benflowz (D&B), it may be on its way. FlowMatique: Rise of the True Mc's is the debut album of Toledo natives DraMatiQue and BenFlowz. After listening to the album, it's clear that the goal of the album was to restore hip hop as a true art form and bring creativity and true talent back to rap music. Unlike most rap albums, FlowMatique doesn't rely on over-produced tracks and radio-friendly hooks to create a decent album. Instead, the album uses simplistic beats and powerful and thought-provoking lyrics to engage listeners. A standout track on the album is the title track, "FlowMatiQue." On the track, the duo refer to themselves as "the ultimate hip-hop duo" as their voices alternate flawlessly over the beat. Like every rap artist, DraMatiQue and BenFlowz are overly confident and constantly boast of their lyrical prowess in comparison to other rappers. However, unlike other rappers, D&B actually have the talent to validate their egos. Hip-hop lovers everywhere will surely love "Roc the Mic" and "Price is Rite," which uses a sample from the popular game show, because both songs show-off the duos lyrical abilities. While most rap artists only dedicate one or two songs on their albums to serious and political issues, D&B use several tracks to speak about various social issues. A standout track is "Unhappy Faces," where the duo raps about poverty in the black community, frustration with the government and the various problems plaguing the black community. "Emancipate" is another lyrical heavyweight where the group raps about social issues. On the track, the duo raps, "Build your own nation/ get away from the George Bushisms … break the government/ black people stand-up and be the difference/ tell something." The album also has the classic love-song, "Why I Love Dat Girl," where the duo show their softer side as they rap about their significant other. However, the song takes a comical spin when the guys discover they've been dating the same girl.One small drawback to FlowMatiQue is that the album is at times very predictable. The simple beats used throughout the album become slightly monotonous after a while and may make listeners wonder if the lyrics would still shine on a track with a heavier beat. However, despite that drawback, FlowMatiQue is an impressive album that will hopefully fill a void in the world of hip hop. With songs like Flo Rida's "Low" and Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat" becoming chart-topping hips and going multi-platinum, many are left wondering whether or not rap music will ever become the respected art form that it once was. Although there are still well-respected artists, such as Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne, who manage to create good music, these men can not carry the torch themselves as the number of true Mc's slowly dwindles. FlowMatiQue by D&B gives hope to rap lovers everywhere. Critic's Conclusion: In a world where most rappers spend their careers producing "pop rap" and are more concerned with mainstream success than actually creating good music, it is refreshing to hear hip-hop artists whose beats don't overpower the lyrics and whose songs actually have a message. Bottom-line, if you love TRUE hip hop, buy this album. B+

FlowMatiQue: Rise of tha True MCs DraMatiQue and BenFlowz DreamScheme Productions by Jonathan Phillips Published: 4/1/08 The Toledo, Ohio and Bay Area-based duo DraMatiQue and BenFlowz has all their bases covered like Dusty Baker taking over the Reds. They are a classic rap group that trade lyrics back and forth and deliver the vocals with intensity and purpose. When you hear the urgency in their voices, it makes you want to move your head in the all important nodding motion. This is the approval that every rapper loves to see when their track is played. Their flow and beats are solid using sounds and samples that bring back memories of early Tribe Called Quest. It's obvious they studied the blueprint of building a rap song. And these veterans of the hip-hop game know what they are doing with the mic and the studio. The Bay Area-inspired female vocalist gives DraMatiQue and BenFlowz an R'NB back drop, as well as radio appeal that could give the radio listener a chance to experience what “real” hip hop feels like. The track, "Price is Right" is a throwback sample style using the theme popular TV game show of the same name. That sample will cost ya! On the flipside, DraMatiQue and BenFlowz incorporate theatrics and long intros that take away from the listening experience. It tends to let your mind wander back to the task at hand, then press the pause button. Intros were fun and funny in the 90s and early 2000s, however, in this new information age, people tend to give you less time to entertain them. One well planned intro goes along way. Less intros keep people focused on the music and give them a reason to press rewind. The Midwest is one of the deepest pools of talent for hip-hop in the country. DJs, rap crews, break-ance crews and graffiti artists are touring all over the world making music and money in all styles of hip-hop expression. From a list that includes MOOD, Blueprint, Hi-Tek, Piakhan, Spitball, S.A. SMASH, Bone Thugs and Harmony, Top Authority, Prohet, GLUE, etc. DraMatiQue and BenFlowz are on the brink of being the next Midwest powerhouse. DraMatiQue and BenFlowz live performances are high energy. They have paid dues and have opened for some of the best in the rap game. This is a definite must buy, or should I say download.

"Ohio-based duo of DraMatiQue & BenFlowz make a solid entry into their catalog with FlowMatiQue" Rise of the True MCs. Their Songs and beats are more potent than other acts in their realm." Soren Baker Source pg. 221

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