ORDINARY PEOPLES: Cause and Effect

Ordinary Peoples

Cause and Effect

© 2005 GAB Records (692863080826)

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Potent rhymes, infectious hooks, and phat beats, blending underground and mainstream hip-hop.

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notes

Ordinary Peoples continues to evolve into one of the most distinctive hip-hop voices to originate from the mid-west scene. On their 4th LP, "Cause and Effect", the band refines the styles absorbed from time spent in their centric location to take the listener through a series of musical foundations. Northern-underground, east coast grit, west coast g-funk, and southern gospel are all represented, giving the album variety while still remaining cohesive. OP produces in the studio the same blend between live instruments and rhymes that they've generated for years on stage, but couldn't fully capture on tape.

Following 2003's "Urban Sprawl", "Cause and Effect" is more mature and personal; many of the songs depict experiences, thoughts, and occurrences that are obviously part of the band's daily lives. The group is not afraid to reveal their inner thoughts and struggles, ranging from the state of the world and hip-hop to girl trouble. On "How It's Goin' Down" and "Cause and Effect", Scraps shows off his ability for creative wordplay by rattling off scenarios that unfold the song's overall concept. "Brainwashed" and "Gas for Free" are more thought-provoking politically charged tracks which inspect and magnify current events.

The album features several guest appearances: guitar work by long-time collaborator Jerry DePizzo (O.A.R.) provides depth while layers of turntables and horns spice up the beats further. The band passes the mic to acoustic baritone rhymer "Toothpick" (formerly of Bad Ronald) on the radio-friendly "Change My Luck", a song about hitting the reset button on a relationship. On "Nasty Girl" OP details sexcapade fantasies, passing the mic on a verse to the playful flow of Columbus emcee B. Yonest.

Breaking down from a 7-piece organic funk outfit to an electronically driven trio in 2002, "...really helped focus our songwriting and let us get into other areas we wanted to explore like sampling and loops," says drummer/producer Gerard Garrelts. Another result of the change was to bring Ben Levels to the forefront, highlighting his talents on the keyboard (playing bass and Rhodes/piano lines simultaneously) as well as his soulful vocal style. The band's successful live show has put them on stage with hip-hop notables Kanye West, Talib Kweli, The Pharcyde, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots.

- Ariel Trybuch

reviews

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  • Mood to Move
    author: george sweet

    If this music doesn't make you want to move, you're not alive. Starting with your toe tapping to Toe Jam, the music moves up your body, until the next thing you know, your hips are moving and your hands swaying. It ends with you and your sinificant other dancing really close. These guys don't just have a good beat, they set a mood that makes you feel it.

  • author: jazz1one

    Franchement tu peux lacher 10 dollards tranquille, un bon mc accompagné de trés bons beats que dire de plus...........

  • author: Smooth_G

    damn...thats hot shit...i burned my fingers when i touched this cd (;...nice beats...nice lyrics...keep being true!

  • Real Deal Holifield
    author: Greezy Machismo

    Nice to see some real talent these days...

  • good chill jam band rap
    author: dsmuck

    cd was good. very mellow, with some good uptempo songs as well. sounds good with a system and is perfect for the summer time. cant complain.

  • Nasty girl
    author: Steve

    These people have a real talent. NUff said!

  • OP sets a new bar for rap music and all music
    author: Dave S

    I cannot stop listening to this album. The music alone is monunmental. The compositions are intricate while being fun and accessible to hip-hop heads, jazz/funk fiends, and average joes. The lyrical skill and talent is top notch. For an album like this to come out of Ohio on an indie label stupifies me. Everyone take heed, good music from real musicians still exists. Amen!

  • Lovin' it
    author: Carrie

    I love this CD! The beats are awsome and the lyrics are powerful. I have already turned some of my friends on to it and they just may buy it too!!! Keep it up!

  • These guys are gonna go places
    author: Johnny

    These guys got a great sound, can't wait to catch em at Salisbury. If you like this kinda stuff, you should give a listen to a band called Intifada, from Maryland. Keep up the good work.

  • Tight hip hop cd!
    author: Freshness

    Not quite as good as the last one but it is a good cd nonetheless. I especially liked Cause and Effect and Shine. Definately would recommend that you listen to it.

  • great ablum
    author: damian

    another great album from o.p. just wish you'd come to baltimore

  • Best OP CD.
    author: Sam Corea

    Cd is hands down the best work OP has done. This will bring them into the mainstream. Keep up the good work.

  • sweet disc!
    author: Goodzilla

    sweet disc! I like "how's it goin' down"

  • Great CD
    author: Ryan S

    The strongest OP album yet next to Urban Sprawl. Great beats and lyrics keep this cd amazing. Thanks OP for another awesome CD. peace

  • every track is dope
    author: kenny smith

    this is your best cd yet,,,every song is amazing. i'm loving shine and change my luck. if you haven't bought this yet you're missin' out.

  • True Music
    author: Jersey#1Artist Mack-Nice

    Ordinary Peoples, Cause& Effect is true music....And I also like your website. SEE ME AT: Jersey#1Artist Mack-Nice

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