Apollo Brown and O.C. - Trophies Review

Apollo Brown lays down a rich bass line and minimal keys as O.C. introduces the listener to a day in the life on “The Pursuit.” The cut has a mix that’s a bit dirty in just the right way, and on O.C.’s end, it’s just as vintage—it’s pure spit; he doesn’t even concern himself with rhyming on many of the bars. Powerful strings meander in the background on “Nautica,” which puts O.C.’s craftsmanship on full display: “Blowing through the city / Category five…I shows no pity / Hurricane winds, churning up fear / Boarded up houses brace for what’s here / Hundred-twenty mile winds with strength and gusto / Battin’ down the hatches, askin’ ‘what in the fuck fo?’” O.C. weaves these incredible visual tales of apocalypse and doom by impressively occupying the ample space left between Apollo Brown’s staccato keys and sparse percussion. The song is also a perfect illustration of just how well Apollo Brown and O.C. work in concert....full text Detroit producer Apollo Brown and Diggin’ in the Crates emcee O.C. have combined to produce ‘Trophies ’. ‘Trophies’ is a 16 track release from Mello Music Group that features 100% of the production by Apollo Brown and 100% of the lyrics written by O.C.

‘Trophies’ begins with a song called ‘The Pursuit’. The bass driven track blends in beautifully with O.C.’s smooth delivery. “These bars elapsed, condensed to record breaking time/Apollo the architect of the tracks design,” O.C. raps on ‘The Pursuit’. ...full text "Trophies" is 16 tracks of mass appeal set in motion by two different eras of hip hop's elite. Detroit producer Apollo Brown lays the foundation, and the legendary OC constructs the vocals. Arguably, their best album respectively, "Trophies" is straight to the point hip hop; no frills, no preservatives, not even a single feature. Just OC at his finest and Apollo once again commanding no disappointments.

Today's society is fascinated with "Trophies". Not just a shiny cup or figurine atop a wooden platform, but the superficial earnings as a result of one's recognition. Prestigious awards, fancy cars, nice jewelry, and beautiful women, are all coveted "Trophies" of the present day. They seem to be the preferred end result of our hard work. Everyone NEEDS to be recognized for whatever their achievement may be, in order to feel that he/she made a mark in this world. And in order for our recognition to be proper, we NEED an award, or a material object to help reassure us that we did something....full text Collaborations between one rhymer and one producer can bring about amazing work. Murs and 9th Wonder made it work numerous times. Pete Rock and CL Smooth made classics this way. Gang Starr? We don’t even have to explain that one. Yet, when OC and Apollo Brown confirmed that they would work together, many heads rejoiced with good reason. Releasing their album a week early, Trophies has turned into the reinvigorated-underground-veteran-album-of-the-year.
Apollo only did OC a favor by bringing production that would make heads want to listen. When one becomes a veteran, the trophies don’t matter. What truly matters is enjoying the game for what it is and making sure the newer players learn from you. In short, OC has gracefully accepted his role as hip hop’s trouper indeed....full text