Local Paper Showing Love

http://blogs.courant.com/eric_danton_sound_check/2009/08/cd-review-...
When last we heard from Tone Benjaminz, he was still known as DJ Stoutamire, laying down beats for the short-lived local trio Official Big League.

He takes full control of the microphone on his solo debut, "Same Game, No Pressure" (Tunecore/TBE/860). It's a commanding and forceful collection focusing attention on his resonant voice -- a menacing, velvety purr -- and imaginative musical arrangements.

There's more going on here than the simple computer-generated beats powering too much of rap: Benjaminz has worked up full-fledged songs with hooks and melodies. There's a taut undercurrent of piano on "Ain't a Shooter," a deep, funky bass line on "Introducing the Benjaminz" and a bouncing g-funk-style rhythm fleshed out with synthesizer hits on "Fall Back."

Although his deep voice makes him sound threatening, Benjaminz is no gun-slinging gang-banger. He's dangerous because he's smart. With sturdy wordplay and deft references to pop culture, Benjaminz pokes holes in the hip-hop fantasies and stereotypes propagated by lesser rappers, all while keeping himself firmly grounded.

"Believing your own hype will break you down every time," he declares on "The New Love," over bongo-style polyrhythms and a rich violin line.

That's a lesson that many of Benjaminz's peers should take to heart. While they're busy talking about their prowess, he's proving his, and the result is an album that's good not just by the standards of Connecticut rap, but by any standard.

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