New York recording artists NEMS and Ron Browz have officially joined forces for a new collaborative studio LP, I Should Boom You. The project brings together two distinct pillars of the New York scene: NEMS, the Coney Island underground veteran who cut his teeth in the battle rap circuit of the early 2000s, and Ron Browz, the Harlem producer who gained widespread notoriety for crafting the beat for Nas’ iconic JAY-Z diss track, “Ether.”
Having previously crossed paths on tracks like “The Bar Exam” and “Count It Out,” the chemistry between the two is established. While the prospect of Ron Browz rapping on every track initially raised concerns for some listeners, the final product proves to be a surprisingly cohesive effort.
A Return to Boom Bap Roots
The album opens with a gritty, classic boom-bap instrumental that sets the tone for the project. NEMS and Ron Browz waste no time trading bars, asserting their status as the “Hottest in America.” The energy remains high on tracks like “Earl Manigault,” which features a guest appearance from Lil’ Fame, pushing the trio to deliver some of their most aggressive performances to date. The production throughout the project maintains a raw, punchy aesthetic, with “First48” utilizing piano loops and sharp percussion to complement the duo’s street-oriented lyricism.
The project’s mid-section, highlighted by “Here I Go” featuring Papoose, sticks to the traditional sound that defined the early careers of both artists. However, the album isn’t afraid to experiment; “P Anthem” shifts the focus toward a club-ready, raunchy aesthetic, while “Nothing Gon’ Stop Me” draws inspiration from reggae rhythms to create a sense of unstoppable momentum.
Final Verdict
As the album reaches its conclusion, “The Mush” offers an old-school response to critics, while “The Bar Exam” serves as a fitting finale, showcasing the duo’s lyrical proficiency with a horn-heavy, boom-bap outro. Despite some skepticism surrounding NEMS’ recent releases under Goliath Records, I Should Boom You stands as a testament to his growth. While it may not reach the heights of the Gorilla Twins’ debut, it is a raw, enjoyable project that highlights some of Ron Browz’s best rapping to date, perfectly balanced by NEMS’ sharp, unrelenting pen.
Score: 8/10
