Short and sweet, Detroit wordsmith Royce Da 5’9” and the legendary DJ Premier, as the group Prhyme, deliver one of 2014’s satisfying hip hop efforts in their eponymous debut.  Not without flaw, what makes Prhyme such a strong effort aside from the lyrics and production is the homegrown chemistry between Primo and Nickel in addition to the cast of characters enlisted to join the master of ceremonies.  Premier and composer Adrian Younge arrange a musical landscape that is both cinematic and akin to the desolate wasteland that Royce affectionately calls home in Detroit.

The boom bap, but morose title track introduces listeners to the master of ceremonies and what to expect from the full length.  Lyrically, Prhyme is everything one could want from 5’9”.  From his bouts with alcoholism and adultery to visions of stickups and witty braggadocio couplets, Prhyme slowly peels back layers of his life on wax.  Look no further than “Underground Kings” and “Microphone Preem” as evidence of his rapid fire delivery retaining its potency after years in the music industry.  Steel is said to sharpen steel, but unfortunately the guest appearances fall moreso in line with being serviceable than standouts.

The included do not take away from the overall picture, but they do little to add to it, particularly on “Wishin”.  The deliveries of Common and Royce are both suited over more sped up production and the final product stands out easily as the lone clunker.  Where guests do shine, Schoolboy Q’s assonance laced verse and Killer Mike’s explicit claim to the throne on “Underground Kings” and Jay Electronica’s Yeti-esque appearance on “To Me, To You” come to mind, the guests make a case for show stealing verses alongside the already credible emcee.  Together, Royce Da 5’9” and DJ Premier only reinforce the former’s standing as a first-rate lyricist while highlighting the versatility of the latter amid hushed talks of a dated sound.

Highlights—Courtesy; Microphone Preem; To Me, To You; Prhyme

Skip—Wishin’