Edo G and Pete Rock together for a whole album? Say word! That's right Hip Hop heads, Boston's finest and the legendary Soul Brother #1 have finally come together to give the game what it needs, real Hip Hop music that takes it back to the essence of the early 90's. "My Own Worst Enemy" is truly a Hip Hop purist dream come true. The combination of Pete's soulful production and Edo's insightful street lyrics work perfectly, making "My Own Worst Enemy" one of the year's best underground releases.
With only ten songs on the album, seven of which are produced by Pete Rock, there is not much fault you can find in the album. Edo delivers a consistent album from beginning to end, while at the same time never staying bogged down in one distinct sound or vibe. There are some nice concepts and change of pace tracks that keep "My Own Worst Enemy" from becoming repetitive or boring.
The album starts off in typical Edo G fashion, as he pays tribute to his hometown of "Boston". Over Pete's hard-hitting drums, Edo looks for "more than street props with Pete Rock", and he certainly accomplishes that with "Boston". However, the fun does not stop there, as it only gets better, as PR's triumphant horns usher in Edo perfectly on "Just Call My Name". Pete also continues to work magic on "Voices", which is his best effort on the album, thanks to a hypnotizing and ambient vocal sample. Besides Pete Rock, DJ Supreme One also comes through for a magnificent production effort on "Wishing" featuring Masta Ace. The politically charged track finds Masta Ace wishing that "the President would stop lying", while Edo G wishes "the world didn't give us funny looks, thinking we all just dummies and crooks".
If you love Hip Hop than there is no reason not to pick up "My Own Worst Enemy". Even if you have slept on Edo G all these years, the album is a perfect place to start and get familiar with the legendary Boston emcee. And as Edo puts it, "I'm a throwback from the 90's, whose return is timely, for Hip Hop consciousness that is grimy". Word!
