Apart from the occasional Roots offering, rap has become a stagnant genre, increasingly dominated by undue hubris and the quick n' easy hook line. That's why it's rather frustrating to stumble across a group like Repeat Offenders, the Pennsylvania-bred hip-hop trio whose heart is in the right place, if not its actual skill continuity. Their third album On Purpose is at best an uneven endeavor, equal parts brilliant composition and forgettable rhymes; its schizophrenic quality is the result of bumpy talent levels among its three collaborating members. In short, some should be behind the mic and some should not, and the Repeat offenders commit the latter sin one time too often to allow the album to truly shine.
Musically, On Purpose is rugged and inspired, clearly an indie effort divorced from the slick, pop-friendly techniques of elitist rap. warm and yet raw, tracks like first single "Runnin'" show a creative edge sorely lacking in radio fare - until, that is, its ethnic twang is utterly derailed by the broken, unrefined rhyming of Matthew Kolb (aka Thrill), whose skills sorely need dusting off. Luckily, Shawn Jacks (aka S.L.U.G.) rescues the song mid-stream, bringing a hefty amount of charisma and strength to the show.
The back-and-forth is largely indicative of the album's overarching weakness, with Jacks representing the best and Kolb the worst of Repeat Offenders' potential. The soulful, old-school "Situations" soars until Kolb interjects during the first chorus, his stilted delivery lacking the adequate amount of bravado to keep the allure rolling. "Work in Progress" is another example – a mediocre song by and large, its atonal sounds are elevated by Jacks' breathy, husky carriage; clearly he's cut out for the role of magnetic frontman. On Purpose picks up in response, the latter half noticeably stronger as bouncing pieces like "Play Your Part" and "Damages" allow greater room for Jacks' superb flow.
Perhaps more so than any other genre, rap is unforgiving to those who are not complete MC's, and no matter how raw or rough, a certain level of polish is absolutely essential for true effectiveness. As harsh a condemnation as it may be, Kolb does not possess the quality and talent of Jacks, whose presence adds to the heft of On Purpose – and thus Repeat Offenders themselves – exponentially.
Kevin Liedel, MuzikReviews.com Sr. Staff
June 24, 2009
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For Questions or Comments On This Review Send An Email To kliedel@muzikreviews.com