Elzhi | Elmatic
Besides Nas’ Illmatic, Elmatic from Elzhi has to be one of the meanest hip-hop albums ever released. That shit is facts.
To even contemplate covering “Illmatic,” one must either possess naivety, insanity, or sheer arrogance. Numerous attempts have been made, with Fashawn being a notable example, though his “Ode to Illmatic” proved to be half-hearted after the release of his excellent debut, “Boy Meets World.” Enter Elzhi with “Elmatic,” a masterful reimagining that eclipses previous efforts.
Elzhi, unlike Fashawn, is no novice or egomaniac; instead, he stands as a master of wordplay. Criticized for lacking emotional connection in the past, Elzhi’s prowess shines brilliantly in this endeavor. He skillfully navigates the intricate details, delivering a version that captures the essence of “Illmatic” while infusing his unique Detroit perspective and personal history.
Unlike a mere karaoke rendition, “Elmatic” distinguishes itself by becoming a musical marvel. Collaborating with Will Sessions and employing live instrumentation, Elzhi and his team pay meticulous attention to detail. They cleverly expand on the original beats, incorporating unexpected additions, riffs, and sections of the original samples. The result is a crisp and glorious reinterpretation that goes beyond mimicking the iconic beats of DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Large Professor.
Lyrically, Elzhi proves his prowess, demonstrating his status as a rap virtuoso. With a nod to Nas and “Illmatic,” he pays homage while maintaining his own distinct style. Notably, he boldly excludes the track “One Time 4 Your Mind,” making room for more fitting bonus hidden joints. Standout cuts include “The World Is Yours,” “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” and “Detroit State of Mind.”
Despite its excellence, “Elmatic” falls short of perfection. A couple of tracks, like “Memory Lane,” take time to find their stride, and the choice of Royce da 5’9″ as a guest on “Life’s a Bitch” doesn’t seamlessly integrate. Additionally, Elzhi’s take on “One Love” is a risky move that may not resonate with everyone.
These minor quibbles stem from the weight of covering the legendary “Illmatic.” Nevertheless, Elzhi surpasses expectations, not only doing justice to the original but adding his own unique flair. The delayed review stems from the fear of disappointment after weaker Illmatic-referencing projects, but “Elmatic” proves to be a worthy companion. Search for “Elzhi Elmatic,” download it, and savor this expertly handled homage by the Detroit MC.
