I think it should be acknowledged that 9th Wonder is one of my favourite producers of all time. Anybody can name J Dilla, Kanye West, DJ Premier, Timbaland and Pharrell as their top 5 when it comes to hip-hop production. But 9th is one that deserves to be mentioned with some of the legendary beatmakers. I remember first hearing his production on Christian rapper Lecrae's mixtape Church Clothes; on the two standouts "Rise" and "Long Time Coming" with Swoope. But I never dug deep into his production discography until coming across Little Brother's "Lovin' It". Consisted of Phonte & Rapper Big Pooh, 9th was their main producer for their first few years of their career. Their first 2 albums The Listening & The Minstrel Show are still some of my favourite albums to listen to anytime.
After the critical acclaim of The Listening in 2003, LB decided to make their solo albums. Phonte hooked up with Dutch producer Nicolay to form The Foreign Exchange and recorded their debut Connected in 2004. Rapper Big Pooh released Sleepers in 2005, with production from 9th, Khrysis, Big Dho and Nicolay. But in the same year, 9th released the first volume of his Dream Merchant series.
Released: 2005
Dream Merchant, Vol. 1 is a compilation of 9th-produced tracks, which were recorded God knows when, probably from the late 90s to 2005. The effort features 16 tracks from underground artists such as Keisha Shontelle, Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh, Median, Joe Scudda, Logic (not the white rapper), and even a knocking instrumental from 9th himself.
Is there really anything else to say? Let's get into it!
1. A Letter to Sick L (1980-2001) [performed by K-Hill & Keisha Shontelle]
The title says it all, as K-Hill dedicates the first song on the album to a friend who sadly passed away 4 years before the album release. He reminisces about the times he had with him, and how he used to be like. It's a heartfelt song, and it's great to hear him reminisce and continue to remember his friend for everything he had done. Keisha Shontelle was alright on this, her singing was eh, to be honest, but still added onto the track well. A solid starter to the project.
2. Just Don't Speak [performed by L.E.G.A.C.Y., Joe Scudda & Rapper Big Pooh]
Leg, Joe & Poobie hook up for a banger that samples a classic song from WAR. Here, all 3 artists talk about fake rappers and friends that they just want to be quiet and listen. They all deliver, especially Pooh. He really came through. Scudda was solid too, but Leg was shit, to be honest. This was the first song I listened to from the album, and it never gets old, always on repeat. One of the best songs on the album!
3. Median Alleviates the Drama [performed by Median]
Originally from Median's The Path to Relief EP, Median reflects on the streets and struggles, and wanting to get out and make a living for himself. It's probably my favourite off the album, and the content is very interesting. Plus, I love 9th's flip on the sample, it's just freakin' amazing, always makes you wonder how he did it like that.
4. Speed [performed by Little Brother]
We should all know this song by now. Taken from The Listening, this song still gets some plays from me to this day. It bangs hard, man! I don't know why I said on my Listening review that this song was alright and didn't stand out, cos anytime this comes on, I be bumping my head non-stop. That's one of the best songs on that album. Damn, my reviews sucked when I first started, ha!
5. The U-Express [performed by Defcon]
This is probably from the early days as Defcon is actually Sean Boog, before he changed his rap name. But yeah, this is a slow thought-provoking song as Def reflects on the street life and gives life lessons in 2 minutes. It's a decent song, Def's delivery is a bit mediocre and doesn't capture my attention too much. And this is one of 9th's more average beats, in my opinion. Anyway, let's move on.
6. My People [performed by Yung Love Joy & Logic]
Yung Love Joy & Logic (of Tyfu) hook up for an anthem for those in the hood. It's another thought-provoking and introspective song, that takes the listener through the streets and they both touch on their experiences, including police, guns, struggles and more. Both rappers deliver solid verses, and 9th's beat is a smooth one. A great cut from the album.
7. Fallen [performed by Chaundon]
Probably the only solo I've ever heard from Chaundon. His features have always impressed me, including Phonte's "Boondock Saints" and Little Brother's "The Honourable", but never got into the rest of his catalog. Anyway, this song is a sombre and personal song, which touches on his struggles, including family issues, school, money as Chaun believes his life is falling and he's getting in a deeper hole. Unlike the features I've heard from him, where he was aggressive and confident, Chaun sounds a lot calmer and chill, and this beat is probably one of the more laidback ones on the album.
8. Mr. Dream Merchant [performed by Rapper Big Pooh]
A standout from the album, which I absolutely loved on my first listen. 9th samples Four Tops' cover of Glen Campbell's "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" as Pooh plays the role of Mr. Dream Merchant, a character who sells dreams to people, who end up being disappointed when they get it. These concepts are explained in his two verses very well, and 9th's flip of the Four Tops sample is bloody amazing. Pooh kills his verses with his delivery, touching on the concepts and dreams impressively. Considering most of the songs so far have been about struggling and street life, it's probably the most creative song on the album, and I love it!
9. Almost Genuine [performed by Defcon & Phonte]
A laidback song, which starts off with a vocal bite from Prodigy's Infamous prelude, as both Defcon/Sean Boog & the legendary Phonte hook up for a killer joint. Def was aight, nothing that memorable, but 'Te murked the beat. He was flowing like a beast. Nobody in the Justus League were shit compared to Phonte. But when both rappers went back and forth, they did their thing, man. Def actually sounded a lot better than before. Overall, it's a mid song that was saved by Te's presence, to be honest.
10. Strained [performed by Keisha Shontelle & Cuss]
Keisha Shontelle gets her own song this time, instead of providing hook duties. And actually, this isn't all that bad. She gets her time to rap too, as she stresses out about her life and the things she sees. And she does well, I love her voice. She's a lot better when she sings. But Cuss comes through with a verse, and honestly, he's a lot more impressive than Keisha. While this is a solid song, it goes on for long. 5 minute songs can be the best, but the hook could've been shortened if you ask me.
11. Third Person [performed by L.E.G.A.C.Y.]
Leg gets his solo, and DAMN! I never expected this to bang out that hard. For goodness sake, 9th! That's really the only good thing about this song, I couldn't catch on with Leg like that. Never really liked him like that, his voice wasn't the best and his verses were mediocre most of the time. He did aight on "Flash and Flare" but even he had a bloody shit line, literally ("I'm diarrhea, nigga, you ain't ready for this shit" FFS L.E.G.A.C.Y!)
12. The Addiction [performed by Defcon]
Another Def/Sean Boog song, and the beat is way too similar to "The U-Express", mainly the bassline. I can't lie, 9th's production wasn't the best on some of his work with Sean. This was a lil boring, and Def was rubbish on this one. Sorry, not sorry.
13. Like Dat [performed by Phonte & Cesar Comanche]
A killer song that dates back to 1998 on a demo tape actually, when Phonte was 19. This was all before Little Brother came to fruition. Here, a young and aggressive Te hooks up with Cesar Comanche for what sounds like a freestyle over a rough beat that samples the famous Esther Phillips' "It's All Right With Me". A lot of producers flipped that sample very well, but none can compare to Havoc's flip on Mobb Deep's "Give Up the Goods (Just Step)". Anyway, 'Te rips that beat and sounds amazing on it. His flow was sick on it, and he was snapping, Goddamnit! Cesar did his thing too, he actually wasn't that bad on it. But when you're on a song with Phonte, you ain't shit compared to him. Only rapper that has kept up with him is Big Pooh, to be honest. Nevertheless, this is another one of my favourite tunes on the album.
14. Soul Dojo [performed by Kevikaze]
Starting with a bite from The Karate Kid, Kevikaze comes through with a sombre song about growing up strong and hustling in the streets. He learns to protect himself and his body like a temple. It's one of the better thought-provoking cuts on the album.
15. The Righteous Way to Go (Instrumental)
A soulful banging instrumental from 9th, sampling a classic Curtis Mayfield tune ("The Makings of You"). There's not much to say about it, I just absolutely enjoy this instrumental so much!
16. Too Late [performed by Phonte]
The album ends with a solo Phonte cut. After appearances on the album with other rappers (Big Pooh, Cesar Comanche & Defcon), 'Te takes his time to brag about everything, how he spits fire and raps better than these wack MCs. It's a great and impressive song as Te just snaps like a beast. Another standout, and such a fire ending to an album.
Final Thoughts
I remember when I wanted to go through this album 2 years ago when I first got my PS4 on my birthday. I was 14 at the time, and I only bumped the two songs. I never had time to listen to everything else. As time went by though, I started to bump a selection of tracks from the album including "Like Dat" and "Mr. Dream Merchant". But now that I had the time to check everything out, this album was mid. Average. Meh! Maybe because I was typing this at night and I was tired, but this wasn't what I expected.
Dream Merchant, Vol. 1 was mainly saved by the production of 9th and even some of his beats were boring. This was a compilation of jams that were rare/unreleased or at the time, recent; so I can allow 9th with some of his mid joints. Apart from the selectives I was listening to before I checked the album in full, most of the songs hardly have any replay value. Defcon's "The U-Express" and "The Addiction" sounded dated for 2005, so I can see it as early jams from the late 90s. It was obvious 9th's beats had room for improvement here, and his work with Def wasn't exactly fire. "Almost Genuine" was saved by the presence of Phonte, and Def was decent, I guess. The only good thing about "Third Person" was the beat, and that's the main reason why it got some replay value. L.E.G.A.C.Y. sounded average on it, although his flow was nice.
The album had some solid/decent songs that aren't necessarily standouts, but aren't bad either. The intro, "A Letter to Sick L" is a smooth cut where K-Hill reminisces about his old friend and the times they had together. "Fallen" is a deep cut from Chaundon, touching on the struggles he faces and how he feels his life has gone downhill. "Strained" is a dark and sombre tune where Keisha Shontelle & Cuss rap/sing about their pain and stress as they live life. "My People" is a song that takes listeners through the hood of Yung Love Joy & Logic as they explain how they live.
The best songs are really the ones where either 9th flips the sample so amazingly or the rappers just happen to snap so hard on the beats. "Just Don't Speak" is a banger, which doesn't disappoint. Although L.E.G.A.C.Y. had a mid verse, Joe Scudda & Big Pooh did their thing, especially Pooh. "Like Dat" is a killer tune and both Phonte & Cesar Comanche snap over that beat. "Too Late" is a funky bop and the hook sample is so damn catchy. Phonte kills it on this track too, and 9th's soulful instrumental is one of my favourite moments on the album. "Soul Dojo" is actually pretty good, and this was one of the most impressive thought-provoking cuts, as Kaze raps about growing up strong and protecting himself. Plus, 9th's beat was A1. "Median Alleviates the Drama" is such a killer. Not only did 9th flipped that sample wonderfully, but Median really delivered with his verse. Him & 9th on a track never disappoint, to be honest. "Mr. Dream Merchant" is the most creative song on the album, as Rapper Big Pooh plays the titular role, selling dreams that people would later end up being disappointed in. Just like "M.A.D.", this is another one of those moments where 9th flipped the used sample in such an incredible way.
Overall, the album is pretty mid. Nothing more, nothing less. Most of my favourite songs are the ones that I've been banging out long before I really went through the whole album, but everything else don't really stand out to me like that. If you wanna know what songs are best to listen, just look below...
Recommended Tracks
Median Alleviates the Drama
Mr. Dream Merchant
Just Don't Speak
Like Dat
Too Late
The Righteous Way to Go
Soul Dojo
2. Just Don't Speak [performed by L.E.G.A.C.Y., Joe Scudda & Rapper Big Pooh]
Leg, Joe & Poobie hook up for a banger that samples a classic song from WAR. Here, all 3 artists talk about fake rappers and friends that they just want to be quiet and listen. They all deliver, especially Pooh. He really came through. Scudda was solid too, but Leg was shit, to be honest. This was the first song I listened to from the album, and it never gets old, always on repeat. One of the best songs on the album!
3. Median Alleviates the Drama [performed by Median]
Originally from Median's The Path to Relief EP, Median reflects on the streets and struggles, and wanting to get out and make a living for himself. It's probably my favourite off the album, and the content is very interesting. Plus, I love 9th's flip on the sample, it's just freakin' amazing, always makes you wonder how he did it like that.
4. Speed [performed by Little Brother]
We should all know this song by now. Taken from The Listening, this song still gets some plays from me to this day. It bangs hard, man! I don't know why I said on my Listening review that this song was alright and didn't stand out, cos anytime this comes on, I be bumping my head non-stop. That's one of the best songs on that album. Damn, my reviews sucked when I first started, ha!
5. The U-Express [performed by Defcon]
This is probably from the early days as Defcon is actually Sean Boog, before he changed his rap name. But yeah, this is a slow thought-provoking song as Def reflects on the street life and gives life lessons in 2 minutes. It's a decent song, Def's delivery is a bit mediocre and doesn't capture my attention too much. And this is one of 9th's more average beats, in my opinion. Anyway, let's move on.
6. My People [performed by Yung Love Joy & Logic]
Yung Love Joy & Logic (of Tyfu) hook up for an anthem for those in the hood. It's another thought-provoking and introspective song, that takes the listener through the streets and they both touch on their experiences, including police, guns, struggles and more. Both rappers deliver solid verses, and 9th's beat is a smooth one. A great cut from the album.
7. Fallen [performed by Chaundon]
Probably the only solo I've ever heard from Chaundon. His features have always impressed me, including Phonte's "Boondock Saints" and Little Brother's "The Honourable", but never got into the rest of his catalog. Anyway, this song is a sombre and personal song, which touches on his struggles, including family issues, school, money as Chaun believes his life is falling and he's getting in a deeper hole. Unlike the features I've heard from him, where he was aggressive and confident, Chaun sounds a lot calmer and chill, and this beat is probably one of the more laidback ones on the album.
8. Mr. Dream Merchant [performed by Rapper Big Pooh]
A standout from the album, which I absolutely loved on my first listen. 9th samples Four Tops' cover of Glen Campbell's "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" as Pooh plays the role of Mr. Dream Merchant, a character who sells dreams to people, who end up being disappointed when they get it. These concepts are explained in his two verses very well, and 9th's flip of the Four Tops sample is bloody amazing. Pooh kills his verses with his delivery, touching on the concepts and dreams impressively. Considering most of the songs so far have been about struggling and street life, it's probably the most creative song on the album, and I love it!
9. Almost Genuine [performed by Defcon & Phonte]
A laidback song, which starts off with a vocal bite from Prodigy's Infamous prelude, as both Defcon/Sean Boog & the legendary Phonte hook up for a killer joint. Def was aight, nothing that memorable, but 'Te murked the beat. He was flowing like a beast. Nobody in the Justus League were shit compared to Phonte. But when both rappers went back and forth, they did their thing, man. Def actually sounded a lot better than before. Overall, it's a mid song that was saved by Te's presence, to be honest.
10. Strained [performed by Keisha Shontelle & Cuss]
Keisha Shontelle gets her own song this time, instead of providing hook duties. And actually, this isn't all that bad. She gets her time to rap too, as she stresses out about her life and the things she sees. And she does well, I love her voice. She's a lot better when she sings. But Cuss comes through with a verse, and honestly, he's a lot more impressive than Keisha. While this is a solid song, it goes on for long. 5 minute songs can be the best, but the hook could've been shortened if you ask me.
11. Third Person [performed by L.E.G.A.C.Y.]
Leg gets his solo, and DAMN! I never expected this to bang out that hard. For goodness sake, 9th! That's really the only good thing about this song, I couldn't catch on with Leg like that. Never really liked him like that, his voice wasn't the best and his verses were mediocre most of the time. He did aight on "Flash and Flare" but even he had a bloody shit line, literally ("I'm diarrhea, nigga, you ain't ready for this shit" FFS L.E.G.A.C.Y!)
12. The Addiction [performed by Defcon]
Another Def/Sean Boog song, and the beat is way too similar to "The U-Express", mainly the bassline. I can't lie, 9th's production wasn't the best on some of his work with Sean. This was a lil boring, and Def was rubbish on this one. Sorry, not sorry.
13. Like Dat [performed by Phonte & Cesar Comanche]
A killer song that dates back to 1998 on a demo tape actually, when Phonte was 19. This was all before Little Brother came to fruition. Here, a young and aggressive Te hooks up with Cesar Comanche for what sounds like a freestyle over a rough beat that samples the famous Esther Phillips' "It's All Right With Me". A lot of producers flipped that sample very well, but none can compare to Havoc's flip on Mobb Deep's "Give Up the Goods (Just Step)". Anyway, 'Te rips that beat and sounds amazing on it. His flow was sick on it, and he was snapping, Goddamnit! Cesar did his thing too, he actually wasn't that bad on it. But when you're on a song with Phonte, you ain't shit compared to him. Only rapper that has kept up with him is Big Pooh, to be honest. Nevertheless, this is another one of my favourite tunes on the album.
14. Soul Dojo [performed by Kevikaze]
Starting with a bite from The Karate Kid, Kevikaze comes through with a sombre song about growing up strong and hustling in the streets. He learns to protect himself and his body like a temple. It's one of the better thought-provoking cuts on the album.
15. The Righteous Way to Go (Instrumental)
A soulful banging instrumental from 9th, sampling a classic Curtis Mayfield tune ("The Makings of You"). There's not much to say about it, I just absolutely enjoy this instrumental so much!
16. Too Late [performed by Phonte]
The album ends with a solo Phonte cut. After appearances on the album with other rappers (Big Pooh, Cesar Comanche & Defcon), 'Te takes his time to brag about everything, how he spits fire and raps better than these wack MCs. It's a great and impressive song as Te just snaps like a beast. Another standout, and such a fire ending to an album.
Final Thoughts
I remember when I wanted to go through this album 2 years ago when I first got my PS4 on my birthday. I was 14 at the time, and I only bumped the two songs. I never had time to listen to everything else. As time went by though, I started to bump a selection of tracks from the album including "Like Dat" and "Mr. Dream Merchant". But now that I had the time to check everything out, this album was mid. Average. Meh! Maybe because I was typing this at night and I was tired, but this wasn't what I expected.
Dream Merchant, Vol. 1 was mainly saved by the production of 9th and even some of his beats were boring. This was a compilation of jams that were rare/unreleased or at the time, recent; so I can allow 9th with some of his mid joints. Apart from the selectives I was listening to before I checked the album in full, most of the songs hardly have any replay value. Defcon's "The U-Express" and "The Addiction" sounded dated for 2005, so I can see it as early jams from the late 90s. It was obvious 9th's beats had room for improvement here, and his work with Def wasn't exactly fire. "Almost Genuine" was saved by the presence of Phonte, and Def was decent, I guess. The only good thing about "Third Person" was the beat, and that's the main reason why it got some replay value. L.E.G.A.C.Y. sounded average on it, although his flow was nice.
The album had some solid/decent songs that aren't necessarily standouts, but aren't bad either. The intro, "A Letter to Sick L" is a smooth cut where K-Hill reminisces about his old friend and the times they had together. "Fallen" is a deep cut from Chaundon, touching on the struggles he faces and how he feels his life has gone downhill. "Strained" is a dark and sombre tune where Keisha Shontelle & Cuss rap/sing about their pain and stress as they live life. "My People" is a song that takes listeners through the hood of Yung Love Joy & Logic as they explain how they live.
The best songs are really the ones where either 9th flips the sample so amazingly or the rappers just happen to snap so hard on the beats. "Just Don't Speak" is a banger, which doesn't disappoint. Although L.E.G.A.C.Y. had a mid verse, Joe Scudda & Big Pooh did their thing, especially Pooh. "Like Dat" is a killer tune and both Phonte & Cesar Comanche snap over that beat. "Too Late" is a funky bop and the hook sample is so damn catchy. Phonte kills it on this track too, and 9th's soulful instrumental is one of my favourite moments on the album. "Soul Dojo" is actually pretty good, and this was one of the most impressive thought-provoking cuts, as Kaze raps about growing up strong and protecting himself. Plus, 9th's beat was A1. "Median Alleviates the Drama" is such a killer. Not only did 9th flipped that sample wonderfully, but Median really delivered with his verse. Him & 9th on a track never disappoint, to be honest. "Mr. Dream Merchant" is the most creative song on the album, as Rapper Big Pooh plays the titular role, selling dreams that people would later end up being disappointed in. Just like "M.A.D.", this is another one of those moments where 9th flipped the used sample in such an incredible way.
Overall, the album is pretty mid. Nothing more, nothing less. Most of my favourite songs are the ones that I've been banging out long before I really went through the whole album, but everything else don't really stand out to me like that. If you wanna know what songs are best to listen, just look below...
Recommended Tracks
Median Alleviates the Drama
Mr. Dream Merchant
Just Don't Speak
Like Dat
Too Late
The Righteous Way to Go
Soul Dojo
Now, let's move on!
As each member released their individual solo projects, Little Brother continued to have critical success from their debut album The Listening. After the release of Dream Merchant, Vol. 1, the group inked a major deal with Atlantic. September 2005 saw the release of The Minstrel Show, a concept album set in a minstrel-show airing on a fictional network called UBN, which touches on many topics such as the industry, personal issues, their careers and much more. Fast forward a few months later (March 2006), and we saw a mixtape of all-new material: Separate But Equal, hosted by DJ Drama as part of the Gangsta Grillz series. However, in 2007, three became two as it was announced 9th Wonder would be leaving Little Brother to pursue his solo producing career. It was clear he was the breakout member of the group, contributing to albums from big names such as Jay-Z, Lloyd Banks, De La Soul, Destiny's Child, Mary J. Blige and more. 9th didn't have any issues with Phonte & Big Pooh as he still continued to collaborate with them on a few more songs.
In October, 9th released The Dream Merchant 2, the sequel to the 2005 compilation. The album features 18 tracks, and unlike the first volume, which was a compilation of underground local artists from North Carolina, this volume gathers appearances from a range of artists, both underground (Skyzoo, Big Remo, Little Brother & Justus League) and well known (Mos Def, Sean Price, Buckshot, Camp Lo & Royce da 5'9"). The album was actually an introduction to female North Carolina rapper Rapsody, who was heard rapping on interludes in some of the songs on the album. These interludes used samples that 9th had previously used for songs like the Little Brother cuts "Shorty on the Lookout" and "Let It Go". Rapsody would later sign to 9th Wonder's Jamla imprint, and also receive a guest appearance on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly.
SPOILER: This is way better than Vol. 1, and you'll know why as we go through this.
1. Mr. Dream Merchant (Intro)
Nothing to hear, just your typical rap album intro. It's basically a little bite from Jerry Butler's "Mr. Dream Merchant". And no, 9th didn't add a beat to it. Moving on...
2. Shots [performed by Big Dho & Sean Price]
We already get in to the album with a bang. I've never heard Big Dho rap before, he's always been known to be behind the scenes, managing the Justus League and all that. This time, he gets on the mic with the legendary Sean P on a soulful banging instrumental from 9th. Dho was actually not that bad on this track, he held his own pretty well. But Sean really came through with his bars, he killed it as usual. Plus, I love the hook. I hardly give hooks some acknowledgement, cos they're not always the best. But it's always good for me to rap to this one. We then hear Rapsody on her first album interlude at the end of the song, and she does her thing on it. The sample flip is aight, it's probably the most boring flip of all the interludes. But yeah, overall, I love this song. Already a favourite from the album.
3. Merchant of Dreams [performed by L.E.G.A.C.Y., Skyzoo, Torae & Chaundon]
A posse cut that I fell in love with on my first listen. The EMBASSY and the Barrel Brothers. It's freakin' fire! All 4 come through with such impressive verses on the banging ass beat, and surprisingly, Leg actually held his own on this one. Normally, he'd sound average or just plain shite, but he can spit a few nice verses here. I personally enjoyed Torae & Skyzoo's verses on this one, although Leg & Chaun delivered as well. I loved the beat too, it's so chill and laidback with that soul sample, and the drums makes it even better!
4. Brooklyn in My Mind (Crooklyn Dodgers III) [performed by Mos Def, Jean Grae & Memphis Bleek]
9th continues the Crooklyn Dodgers series after 12 years, selecting a trio of rappers to create what is basically an appreciation to their hometown of Brooklyn. As you all know, the other two Crooklyn Dodgers installments are classics, with Premo & Q-Tip providing dope instrumentals for their trios, which included legendary rappers such as Buckshot, Jeru the Damaja & Masta Ace. This installment features Mos, Jean and Bleek. On its own, this song is pretty good. I love the sample, the drums bang hard as hell, plus the scratches add on to the track so well. Each rapper delivers a solid verse, with different moods each. Mos' verse was nice and Jean's had a very interesting and powerful mood as she reflects on how she became a strong and confident woman in Brooklyn. Bleek's verse is a lot more different, touching on the dark side of Brooklyn, and how the streets can be dangerous. All three sound great on there, and I love the different vibes they create with their verses.
5. Sunday [performed by Keisha Shontelle & Chaundon]
A great, positive song dedicated to the special day that is Sunday, and I abso-freakin-lutely love it!!! That's the best thing I can say about this song. Oh yeah, and Rapsody killed her interlude at end too.
6. Baking Soda [performed by Big Treal]
This one a straight banger, that actually is the most interesting and creative song of them all. Here, Big Treal spits three verses which tell a morality tale about drug dealing. The character had came into the drug game for the fast money, trying to make a living for themselves. However, as he gets with the dealing, his freedom is lost, and the final verse explains it fantastically, with amazing metaphors and flow to help get the point across effectively. It's wonderful, and 9th's sample flip on the instrumental makes it even better. One of the best songs on the album.
7. Reminisce (Take Time) [performed by Big Remo & Novej]
One of the more personal tracks on the album, as Big Remo & Novej dedicate their verses to old friends who they haven't spoke to in a long time. They hope to reunite and take time to reminisce about the old times. It's a great introspective song, with such a sombre and mellow feeling as both rappers try to tell their friends how they're doing now. It's another standout, which adds onto the diverse content and vibes the album has.
8. No Time to Chill [performed by Little Brother]
OH YEAH!!! A freakin' LB song, a great moment on the album. Even with 9th not being a member anymore, they still managed to secure a feature with such a banger. And they fail to disappoint. Phonte & Big Pooh go back and forth 8 bars each over such a menacing instrumental, with such impressive flow and lyrics. It's a Little Brother song, and you know they always come through.
9. It Ain't Over [performed by Jozeemo & Tyler Woods]
Always thought this was an average song. It didn't necessarily suck overall, but it never stood out to me. Hook was trash, and Jozeemo didn't impress me too much. That's just me tho.
10. The Last Time [performed by Royce da 5'9", Vandalyzm & Naledge]
Royce, Naledge & Van link up as the Midwest Wrecking Crew for a straight freakin' banger. I remember when I first listened to this album during one of my GCSE Drama rehearsals. I listening to the first half in the morning, second half in the afternoon. And when this song came up as I was walking to a bus stop, I didn't know how to feel about it. The hook was bloody off-putting, it was kinda shit. And the instrumental was... meh to me at the time. But all of a sudden, this song started popping back in my head, and before you know it, I was banging this out two weeks ago on a Sunday. This song is nuts, like absolute! Other than this shitty hook, everybody kills it, especially Royce. I enjoyed Van & Naledge on it too, and they had their sick bars to offer. Another one of my favourites.
11. Saved [performed by Saigon & Joe Scudda]
I remember I actually loved this song the first time I listened, but this is just decent. It's a song that I'm surprised that I hardly go back to, but really, it doesn't stand out too much. I love the heavenly ass sample on it tho, and Joe Scudda didn't do that bad on here.
12. The Milky Lowa [performed by Camp Lo]
OHHH SHIT, WOO WOO.... WOOOO!!! Camp Lo be coming through with heat. I loved their work, Uptown Saturday Night, Black Hollywood and even their recent shit. This song is just on another level. Geechi Suede & Sonny Cheeba really delivered on this and their chemistry was amazing. 9th's beat was banging as usual, and that sample was menacing. It's a song I enjoy listening to, and going back to. It never gets old. Oh yeah, and this features Rapsody's best interlude on the album at the end, she killed it.
13. Backlash [performed by Sean Boog & Buckshot]
I never thought I would like this song as much as I do now. Playing it the first time, I just thought it was good, nothing more, nothing less. Now, it's on repeat a lot more than expected, playing on shuffle no matter what. At this time, this was a collaboration between two generations. Sean Boog was new and underground, while Buckshot was a legend who made a name for himself in the 90s in Black Moon and the Boot Camp Clik. Anyway, this song is an introspective cut which sees both rappers reminisce about their times growing up, and having those who doubted him. Sean was nice on it, and I can't lie, he has definitely improved from his previous work as Defcon, but Buck stole the show here, with his verses about dancing at a young age and not wanting to be broke again. It's a nice cut and doesn't disappoint.
14. Thank You [performed by D.O.X & O-Dash]
D.O.X & O-Dash hook up for such a wonderful cut on the album. It bangs so hard, yet it sounds so beautiful. As the title suggests, the two thank those who have been a part of their lives, for better or for worse. This includes their family, haters, critics, friends, those in the hood and many more. The sample is amazing, and 9th flipped it so smoothly. And both rappers really flowed nice on this like it was nothing. Love this song.
15. Let It Bang [performed by Skyzoo & Ness]
On Thursday, I had my Year 11 Prom, celebrating the 5 years I spent at my school. I shuffled my playlist of bangers (appropriately titled "Let It Bang Hard!") on the way there, and this song came up before I got out the Uber car. And for somewhat reason, I appreciate this song way more than I did when I first heard it. I absolutely loved it on my first listen, but that song was in my head throughout the whole Prom night after banging it out. Anyway, Skyzoo links up with Bad Boy rapper Ness for another highlight on this, and they both kill it. Ness did his thing here, but Sky was on one with his bars. Plus, this is one of the moments on the album where the hook really stands out. I bloody loved it! There are actually so much standouts here, it's amazing.
16. What Makes a Man [performed by Rapper Big Pooh & Buddy Klein]
To be honest, with every listen, this song actually gets better to me. On my first listen, I don't remember myself liking this too much, like it didn't stand out compared to the others. But this is actually heat! Rapper Big Pooh & Buddy Klein come through with a soulful banging joint. They both do well, and while I mess with Pooh a lot more, Buddy murked this, and I was surprised. The hook reminds me so much of Little Brother's "Let It Go", mainly cos of the "ah-ah"'s that Pooh did. You already know the rest I'm gonna say: I love the sample, 9th flipped it well, the beat is sick, alla dat!
The following are bonus tracks:
17. Special (Remix) [performed by Strange Fruit Project & Median]
9th remixes the standout from Strange Fruit Project's 2006 album The Healing, now featuring a guest verse from Median. 9th had already blessed the original version with his beautiful beat, and now he's back to provide what I feel is the better instrumental, to be honest. And I freakin' loved the original. With the remix, there are a few alterations other than the different instrumental. Thesis' hook is omitted and replaced with S1's "So Special" vocal bite. Myth's verse is replaced with Median's verse, which is pretty good. I've been starting to mess with Median a lot more ever since his verse on The Listening cut "Shorty on the Lookout" and the Vol. 1 standout "Median Alleviates the Drama", and his verses haven't disappointed me one bit. As beautiful as the original is, I absolutely enjoy this version way more.
18. You Wanna [performed by NBS]
This beat reminds me of Rapper Big Pooh & Murs' "Now" off his album Sleepers, mainly cos of the knock at the beginning. Then again, 9th produced that song too. But NBS jump on this banger and they deliver pretty decently. The hook is aight, but the bars are there. I like it.
Final Thoughts
The Dream Merchant 2 is just... heat from start to finish. I had my problems with Vol. 1, as some of the rappers didn't impress me too much. But this is miles ahead, and it's almost like 9th knew he made mistakes with the album or something. I don't know...
Unlike the first volume, The Dream Merchant 2 isn't necessarily saved by 9th Wonder. In fact, not only does it feature some of 9th's best production, but a better range of rappers to help complement the songs, not just the Justus League. Boot Camp Clik rappers Buckshot and Sean Price murk their verses on their individual songs "Shots" and "Backlash". Camp Lo come through with fire bars on "The Milky Lowa". Mos Def, Jean Grae & Memphis Bleek link up for a Crooklyn Dodgers joint with "Brooklyn in My Mind" and they straight snapped on it. Skyzoo kills his verses on "Merchant of Dreams" and "Let It Bang". He was really one of the main stars on the album lyrically.
There were a few underground artists like NBS, Vandalyzm & O-Dash who had their solid moments too. "The Last Time" sees well-known Detroit rapper Royce da 5'9" completely murk the 9th beat, along with Van & Naledge. The hook is kinda trash, but the bars are definitely there. D.O.X & O-Dash take their time to thank the people that have been in their life on "Thank You", including the haters, family and friends. NBS actually was alright on "You Wanna", and they did their thing on that knocking ass beat. Big Remo & Novej try to reunite with old friends on "Reminisce (Take Time)" as they tell them how they're now doing. It's a smooth ass tune, and one of my favourites, showing a change in content on the album.
Most of the Justus League actually did a better job on this album. The EMBASSY aka L.E.G.A.C.Y & Chaundon came through with some fire on "Merchant of Dreams" with Torae & Skyzoo. "No Time to Chill" was another standout from the album, and Little Brother snapped on it. Big Dho's verse on "Shots" was decent, and he held his own with Sean Price. Sean Boog hooks up with Buckshot for "Backlash", a song that reflects on their early days before coming up, and also those that hated on him. Although Buck washed him, Sean did a pretty good job with his verses and flow. Keisha Shontelle sings about "Sunday", and what she loves about the day. It's a beautiful song and her vocals were A1 on this. Chaundon's verse was nice too. Joe Scudda did well on "Saved", Median had one of my favourite verses on the album with the "Special" remix, and Big Treal provided the album's most creative and interesting track with "Baking Soda", telling a morality tale about drug dealing and how it affects the person's life. The only bad song on the album is Jozeemo's "It Ain't Over". I didn't like the hook, and this was a moment where nothing impressed me, not even Tyler Woods' vocals or Jozeemo's bars.
Overall, I enjoyed The Dream Merchant 2. It was basically heat from start to finish, and there was hardly any bad songs. It's probably 9th's best album, in terms of production; The Wonder Years is a close second. If you're into banging beats, great content and lyricism, cop this. This is a solid piece of work, a better compilation than Vol. 1, and sounds so amazing. If there's any reason why I love 9th Wonder, this is why!
Recommended Tracks
Baking Soda
Special (Remix)
No Time to Chill
Backlash
Let It Bang
Thank You
The Last Time
The Milky Lowa
Reminisce (Take Time)
Sunday
