These Deutsch producers had a big hit in 2009 with the single “Top Rank” ft. Black Milk and Guilty Simpson from The Standard. “Bow Down” is the first single off their new album, The Update, set to drop this November 2010.
I’m a supporter of JR & PH7 not only because they make great beats, but because they seem as enthused as a couple poor kids who just got their first ice cream cones; living fully in the awesomeness of their moment and grateful as hell to be here. It’s written all over their faces and it shows in their work too. In the “Top Rank” video, for instance, they haul all their gear – drum machines, synths, you name it- all around the stadt (they are pictured in cabs, subways, street corners, the laundromat) always smiling and bobbing their heads like they’re having a great time. Seeing their smiles often puts one across my face, too.
Seems like they may have brought some of that good charisma to their new album, as the production on this single is once again fly–although chipmunk voices have never been my thing–and they’ve also attracted a nice mix of guests, including Elzhi, Strange Fruit Project, Sean Price, and Theory Hazit among other underground favs.
Given its impartial delivery, I’m not convinced Evidence (Dilated Peoples) and L.E.G.A.C.Y’s (Hall of Justus/Little Brother crew) hearts are in the lyrics of this pushy chorus –“Took time off…say my name on a record and it betta be a shout out/I’m the same as eva/betta just bow down”), but both spit slick verses in a style they’re entirely at home with.
[audio:https://thecomeupshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/JR-PH7-f-Evidence-and-LEGACY-Bow-Down-CLEAN.mp3|titles=JR & PH7 f Evidence and LEGACY-Bow Down-CLEAN]