Square One were a German hip-hop group, and according to Discogs, 'Walk of Life' stands as their only full-length album. The group disbanded in 2002 due to artistic and financial disputes. The project’s stronger moments tend to be the more soulful tracks, while the upbeat ones rarely rise above being serviceable. 'Loose Cannons' being a notable exception. Lyrically, the group aims higher than most, often trying to break out of generic subject matter, which is one of the album’s key strengths. Musically, though, little truly sticks. The production leans heavily into classic boom bap territory and it's solid and respectful of the tradition, but rarely exceptional. The hooks are lacking, with the instrumentation doing little to create contrast or elevate them above the verses. Scattered vocal samples from legends like Big L, Common, and KRS add some texture, but overall, the album doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression. If you're a diehard boom bap fan, this is worth a listen, but don’t expect it to surpass the greats.
Beats: ★★★
Rapping/Bars: ★★★
Hooks: ★★☆
Best Tracks: Knowledge Is Knowledge, From the Soul, Dreams, Loose Cannons, Cry, Fallen Angels
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