Track List:
1. VENI VIDI VICI (Feat. DJ Wegun)
2. Eureka (Feat. Zion.T)
3. Pride & Prejudice (Feat. Suran)
4. Boys And Girls (Feat. Babylon)
5. Day (Feat. JTONG)
6. Yes Or No (Feat. PENOMECO, The Quiett)
Perhaps best known as the leader of the hip-hop/R&B outfit Block B, rapper Zico just dropped his first mini-album, which includes his recent digital singles "Tell Me Yes or No," "Day," and "Boys and Girls." Here he teams up with Babylon, JTONG, DJ Wegun, Zion.T, soul songstress Suran, and others to bring you this 'Gallery' of hip-hop stylings.
"VENI VIDI VICI"
The title is a quote by Julius Caesar, "I came, I saw, I conquered," a description of a quick and easy victory. The title is appropriate, as the song chronicles his rise to the top from the bottom and he makes it sound both quick and easy. The lyrics are bold and truculent, and his delivery and flow reflect that admirably. I can't help but notice that he doesn't quite say the "veni vidi vici" part, but it makes such a great hook that you won't care.
"Eureka"
Beginning with sassy, buried horns and Zion.T's croons, Eureka is a naughty hip-hop piece with a croon and hook-filled chorus. The horns just as quickly hit front and center, threatening to engulf Zico and Zion.T's vocals. Thankfully, they don't, giving us easy access to the playful lyrics. It's essentially saying "Eureka! I found the perfect girl!"
"Pride & Prejudice"
In my opinion, this is where Zico shows off his range, teaming up with indie soul-singer Suran. He takes the edge of his raps for this one, with laid-back delivery and pitter-patter flow. Suran's voice is emotive here and needy, giving the song it's soulful feel. Tinkling piano and a funky horn are the perfect R&B toppers for this track. These lines pretty well sum it up:
"Pride and prejudice
Tell me what is more important
I thought wrong"
"Boys And Girls"
Having as much in common with funk as with hip-hop, this song is playful, with synth backed singing from Babylon set off from Zico's raps. It's very much a party song, but atypical of such songs is that it's very stripped-down. It's an enjoyable little ride, and for some reason, the line "I'm a boy and you're a girl," repeated several times, makes me laugh.
"Day"
When it starts, it feels like a Big Beat remix, but they dial that back in the bridge. Regardless, both JTONG and Zico spit their raps at you defiantly, almost as if they were engaged in some kind of K-pop sciamachy. I like the aggressive delivery here. the pounding beat helps a lot here, too, evening out the chaotic synth riffs. It has an ominous tone at the end. The song is about how they'll take on all comers and come out on top no matter what.
"Yes Or No"
I've already reviewed this as a single. My thoughts on it really haven't changed.
Zico really hits his stride here, and delivers a full-on rap attack that should leave you breathless trying to keep up. The songs are almost consistently kinetic, moving and daring you to move with them. The hooks are awesome, and the collaborators are distinctive and engaging. If you're looking for infectious beats, look no further.
MV REVIEW
Zico and Zion.T play private detectives searching for the perfect girl in "Eureka!"
The pair are 1930s gumshoes, and when a pretty girl walks through the door their private eyes pop out of their heads. From there the girl goes through chameleon-like changes, from Marilyn Monroe to a jazz singer and even Cleopatra. The double-Z duo rap and dance their way through the MV.
The costuming here is fairly brilliant, ranging from 30's period suits to standard hip hop attire. If you set the black & white parts as a full movie, it could stand on its own as a period piece. Hairstyle and hats complete the whole picture.
The dancing in this MV is pretty well spot on. They go through the standard hip hop motions, with fancy footwork and gestures to match. There aren't that many moves, but they do have style.
Despite the subject matter of the song, the MV is fairly clean -- and clever. Filmed in both black and white as well as color, with convincing costuming and a unique blend of noir, grandeur, and at times vivid sprays of color. This video will definitely not let you nod off, and should be considered a jewel in Zico's crown.
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