Group Home - Livin' Proof

The Production Makes It

This album marks the beginning for the Gangstarr affiliated group known as Group Home, composed of MC's Lil Dap and Melachi the Nutcracker. Both members already had their start on past Gangstarr albums, but Group Home puts them both to the test of composing a solid and memorable album, in which the album would be known as "Livin' Proof", taking homage to a line in the Wu-Tang Clan song titled "C.R.E.A.M.".

If there is something that makes this album worthwhile, it is definitely the production. DJ Premier handles the majority of the production, besides two songs, which are "Serious Rap S***" (produced by Guru) and "4 Gave My Sins" (produced by Jaz-O). The production as a whole is some of the most top-notch I've heard in hip-hop. The hooks are beyond addictive and brilliant for the DJ Premier style, and while some samples are obvious if you're familiar with Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, it still works perfectly and is well focused.

While the production may be class, the MC's are not. Lil Dap's flow tends to bring a buzzy nasal style that can be a tad bit grating, and Melachi is rather wack lyrically. It's nothing that makes it unbearable, but honestly, it detracts it from being a classic. Nonetheless, Guru and Jeru the Damaja make guest appearances that switch things up a bit.

If you're new to any Gangstarr Foundation affiliated artists, don't start with this one just yet. Check out Daily Operation and The Sun Rises in the East first, then when you feel like you've gotten it down, then pick this up. However, if you're big on instrumental work despite flaws the MC's may have, this is definitely worth every penny. June 7, 2008

When the East is in the House

This is another DJ Premier Productions so you know the beats are hot. Lil Dap and The Nutcracker bring the heat consistently. A must for any true hip hop collection..dont sleep!! January 7, 2008

good overall listen

Can listen to this album start to finish. Standouts: # 11, 4, 5, 6 December 2, 2007

Nice!

Good album although the lyricists on it are'nt the greatest, the beats make up for it. Great production by D.J. Premier. Nice beats. September 4, 2007

'95 Was Theirs, But Where Are They In 2 Thousand? (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4 stars)

If I had to give a "Where Are They Now" award, Group Home would probably receive it. Group Home's debut CD "Livin' Proof" was a rememerable CD back in late 1995. I first heard these guys on Gang Starr's "Hard To Earn" LP. What grabbed my attention to get this LP was that everybody said that this was some of DJ Premier's best production. Heck, it's a blessing to have a couple of tracks produced by Primer, let alone an entire album. I have to say this is the best production I heard comming from the East Coast in a good minute. If you heard the beats to "Serious Rap Sh..." and "Up Against The Wall" (and thats just some of the songs here with awesome production). It seemed like Premo just held back his production from Gang Starr and and Jeru, and gave them to Group Home. A lot of people wondered if he gave those same beats to artists like Nas or Jeru The Damaja what would the results would be. Hell, if he gave the beats to the wackest rapper out right now, it would almost sound like a second comming of Illmatic or such. They're THAT good.

As for Group Home (Melachi the Nutcracker & Lil' Dap), they don't do a bad job holding down the rhymes. In fact that is the only inferior in this album. I've heard better rhymes, but I've also heard way worse. Especially with all the music comming out today, they make this duo sound like lyrical masters. "Suspended In Time" would be a good song from a lyrical standpoint. Another excellent song is "2 Thousand" (hence my review title) with some good rhymes. Guru and Big Shug comes in for the song "Serious Rap Sh..", as well as Jack The Ripper and Smiley The Ghetto Child rhyme on the song "The Realness". Jeru The Damaja talks at the end of one of the tracks as well.

So this album is excellent for fans of Gang Starr and Primo's production. This album has some of the best beats that he has made in his career. Although Lil' Dap and Melachi's rhyme skills aren't that great, they don't make this CD a waste. If possible, search for the instrumentals for this LP, because you'll be glad that you did. But this album is also a keeper. They followed up with another album in 1999, that I will check out as well.

Lyrics: C+
Production: A+
Guest Appearances: A-
Musical Vibes: A-
Overall: B+

Favorite Tracks: Livin' Proof, Serious Rap Sh.., Suspended In Time, Sacrifice, Up Against The Wall (both mixes), 2 Thousand, Supa Star, The Realness

Peace Everyone!!! March 12, 2007

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