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 Dichotomy A Bonafide (aka Teron Carter) and Coffee (aka Stacy Jones) have heavily impacted the holy hip hop scene since their debut release in 1997. Well, the duo is back with a compelling new release titled Dichotomy A, the first of two discs to be released this year (Dichotomy B slated for a November 2004 splashdown). So, Grits makes history by releasing two connected projects within the same calendar year.  Now the time comes for us to digest Dichotomy A.The 12-track project highlights what longtime GRITS fans know to be the group's trademark —innovation. The guys always manage to come up with ways to hit you from left field, both musically and lyrically, in ways that you could never imagine and, after hearing, you just can't live without it. Throughout the project, the group infuses a conglomerate of musical genres and ideas that is simply the GRITS sound. This is their fifth full-length project, and it's clear that the formula of innovation and creativity breeds success. . The project kicks off with "Hittin' Curves", a track that features both emcees dropping their trademark flows, and also offers a spoken word segment from Pumpata Jutte. Serving as a bridge to the next cut, "Anybody", it admonishes women to gain a Godly view of themselves, men, and relationships in general. It's a compelling and thought-provoking piece.  Jutte also adds her poetic influence to the mellow "Pardon Me Yo", one of the few that features live instrumentation along with the infusion of the talented DJ Skillspinz.Known for their high energy rhymes, GRITS doesn't disappoint this time around as they offer rough and rugged tracks like "I Be". This energy-laden joint features the hardcore sanctified soldier Pettidee (see album review), who brings his in-your-face lyrical delivery to the dirty South style prominent on the track. Pettidee also handles drum programming and instrumentation in addition to co-production. The collaboration between these two exciting entities is one for the ages. "Gutterboy" has GRITS tackling that jungle and reggae sound, as they partner with Marky Rage from Temple Yard. This one works for the crew and shows their continued diversity. Continuing with winning partnerships, labelmate Lisa Kimmey of Out of Eden connects with the duo on "Shawty", providing the perfect background vocals as the song cleverly tells the story of a young man who's made some poor choices. GRITS offers heartfelt advice. GRITS switches gears pretty quickly and mellows things out with "Get Down". With Catherine "Catt" Gallop lending vocals, the slick rhymes of Coffee and Bonafide are adequately accented by the equally slick guitar work of Akil Thompson. Guiitar licks add a heavy smooth jazz feel, accenting the continued variety presented by the duo.  You've got to check out "Mind Blowin'". GRITS teams up with the heralded 4th Avenue Jones crew, who provide awesome background vocals on the cut. Otto Price, who lends his instrumentation to a number of other tracks on this project, handles the musical responsibility for this one and does a stellar job. The drum programming is reminiscent of The Roots' "You Got Me" and has Otto Price adding a well placed organ which totally changes the dimension of the track. Zion, of 4th Avenue Jones, also lends his skills, furthering the exciting teamwork.Without question, GRITS are back with a vengeance. This Dichotomy isn't as divisive as most, but is rather a fusion of everything right about hip hop, music, and GRITS. Bring on Part B!
Email This To A Friend Gotee Records — reviewed by Gerard Bonner —
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