Hyphy's First Classic?

Although it’s received quite a lot of criticism (I see you el), the “hyphy movement” has been a blessing for Bay Area hip-hop, which before last year’s newfound attention had been suffering from a decade-long commercial drought. Stupidity aside, hyphy has united Bay Area artists and provided local rappers a much-needed springboard to national exposure. Nevertheless, consistency has never been one of the genre’s strengths. Sure there have been some great songs, but we’ve yet to have a hyphy long-player that goes as hard as 90’s Bay classics like E-40’s In a Major Way or 3x Krazy’s Stackin’ Chips. Enter West Coast Vaccine, the new album from Vallejo’s Turf Talk.

If you’re not from the Bay, chances are you’ve never heard of Turf, but the lil’ homey has been doin’ his thing for a good couple of years now. Turf has the distinction of being E-40’s cousin, but he easily holds his own as a rapper, possessing a truly unique style that stands out even in a region known for its rappers’ unorthodox flows. Like E-40 or Keak da Sneak, Turf Talk is somewhat of an acquired taste (no homo), but his high-pitched, nasal cadence becomes addictive upon repeat listens. He’s also pretty damn funny, sprinkling his verses with hilarious one-liners that seem to owe nothing to the rappers who’ve come before him. While Turf’s flow is clearly a product of the Bay (and of the Sick Wid It fam), it’s also completely original, a quality that’s refreshing in a genre that too often seems to reward conformity. Though his influences are present, clearly Turf is his own man.

Of course any rapper is only as good as his production, and the beats on Vaccine don’t disappoint. Whereas 40’s Ghetto Report Card relied heavily on the Southern bounce of Lil’ Jon, Vaccine’s production is completely a Bay Area affair, resulting in a sound that, rather than being a “cousin of crunk,” is its own thing entirely. Hyphy architect Rick Rock supplies the bulk of the beats, pushing his compositions even farther into spaced-out madness (the monstrous “Holla At You”), while up-and-comer Droop-E (E-40’s son) also contributes several tracks, showcasing a newfound versatility on bangers like “Broke N*ggas!” and “Stop Snitchin.” Also present behind the boards are Oakland vet EA-Ski (aka “the Bay’s Dr. Dre”) and San Jose’s Traxxamillion, the mastermind behind Keak da Sneak's “Superhyphy.” Lest the album become too “dummy retarded,” as they say, Turf drops a few laid-back joints, such as the soulful album intro, that reflect his years spent in LA as an adolescent (growing up he split time between V-Town and Southern Cali.)

At 21 tracks, West Coast Vaccine is a bit bloated, but considering the length there are remarkably few duds. The beats knock hard as fuck (particularly in a nice car stereo) and Turf stays on point lyrically and vocally throughout, often completely readjusting his style to fit a given track. Bottom line: the shit slaps. Hate on the Bay if you must, but please at least listen to this album first.

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I know none of you reading this are gonna run out and cop this joint, so I’ve posted the entire thing for download. Check it out, and if you like it consider buying a real copy or at least checking for Turf’s next project. I guarantee this shit is ten times better than the new Fabolous.