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One of the most respected players in Detroit's hip-hop scene, Trick-Trick has armed his Motown Records debut, The People Vs., with his own quick-witted verbosity along with collaborations with Eminem, Jazzy Pha, and D-12's Mr. Porter. The album stands as a testament to his aggressive lyrical flair, with the multi-instrumentalist (keyboard, guitar, and drums) and producer displaying razor sharp mic skills and the kind of dogged determination that puts him in a class by himself.
His noted compatriot Eminem helps capture such a mood on "Welcome to Detroit," the opening salvo on The People Vs., the perfect introductory track for an up and comer like Trick-Trick. Eminem not only produces the track but he also spits a verse and a hook big upping Trick-Trick in characteristic style, paying homage to the force he brings from the gritty streets to the club. Word is Eminem expressed an interest to work with Trick-Trick over a decade ago, making more than good on that promise by producing two tracks on The People Vs.
Trick-Trick's lyrics also help define the enigmatic rapper. His personal calling card, "My Name is Trick-Trick." which he wrote and produced, became an instant Detroit underground classic, with a syncopated hook and an autobiographical account of Trick-Trick's personal struggles. He's also rocked the local music charts prior to The People Vs., making hits that became easily identifiable, throw-your hands in the air club classics, like "Booty Bounce." This dance-floor sensibility is echoed in the Jazzy Pha produced body-rockin "Attitude Adjustment," another song that provides insight into the mercurial star. It's already well known in Detroit circles that - whether in the cipher or in the streets - Trick-Trick is not someone you want on your bad side. He explains the constant presence of his two hulking bodyguards. "They're not here to protect me; they're here to protect y'all, to keep me from getting to anybody I want to get to." From his overwhelming physical presence and steely eyes, it's evident he's not joking. On "Let's Scrap," a joint featuring his younger brother Diezel, the troops are riled by his battle cries.
With The People Vs., Trick-Trick delivers a testimony that is at once, riveting, powerful, and raucous - and like all the truly memorable hip-hop manifestos it's based heavily on undeniable personal truths. "I felt like a portion of my life was in court. I had to battle it out and come out on top," he philosophizes. "I put down a lot of the issues that I went through and lot of the different things that upset me on The People Vs. My album is real human." |
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