Album Details

• Artist: Crgruve
• Album: Naughty And Nice
• Label: Solution Marketing
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: archelon on 2009-09-19

CrGruve are a New England based duo consisting of Craig the singer, who sounds like he should be part of a sixties soul group, and Ramone the rapper, who sounds like the lost member of De La Soul. This might not sound look like a special pairing on paper, but the combination of the smooth, suave lyrics and perfectly-placed beat and both of their voices is really very alluring, even from first listen.

There's quite a bit to take in here beside the original vocals as well, little bits of synth, rock guitars and afrobeat abound and there are twangs of flamenco rhythm and even some jazzy flute - Ramone and Craig have obviously surrounded themselves with a lot of talented musicians in order to get the sound just how they want it.

The lyrics are also well-placed and witty and let go in perfect time and pitch. The songwriting, while not massively varied, allows the personalities of both halves shine through in their delivery and this works greatly in their favour. It's very danceable, and totally hip-hop - so long as they don't stick with the cliched and slightly jade view of the genre for too long.

 All in all? If you're any sort of hip-hop fan, you won't be disappointed by this. It's equally accessible and clever, and a very good foundation on which they can build. I'd love them to come over all Freddie Foxxx - to use their music to take the genre in a different direction.

User Reviews and Comments

on 2009-10-02 hstisgod Said:

Good review Emmy, why'd o I feel like I've heard this MILF song before??!?! These guys arent bad, but I think they need to get a lil more serious. Slick R&B and Hi Hop production..
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