"Yo I promise you ain't touchin the sound
You know I'm headed to the top, I came from under the ground
Had to search deep down until something was found
It's not my money or my music I a fuckin around" - 92 And Beyond Pt. 3
St. Ivy's project "90's Catz" is nostalgia at its finest, combining the memories from the golden era with the smooth styles of the time. Being born in 92, Ivey was raised on the fashion, entertainment, and flair that the 90s brought to American pop culture and music, especially within HipHop. The respect for talented hip-hop artists like 2Pac, Eminem, Nas, Redman, etc. inspired St. Ivy to create a project that channels his childhood memories and brings forth the style and skills represented during the 90s. "90's Catz" is also a personal album that touches on frequent learning experiences St. Ivy has faced culminating to this moment. Ivey remains a kid at heart with this 14 track mixtape that's full of fun, flavor, and steez.
"It seems to me I just really need some time to think
I look for answers in the bottle of liquor - didn't find a thing
Finding positives in all situations like hide and seek
Threw a youngin in the deep and they told me to rise or sink" - Wonder Why
Ivy's approach to the release of this project has many layers. The title track "90's Catz" was created in 2014, first composed with a nostalgia aspect that pays respect to an era that soiled his roots. Enjoying the track so much, the vibe and feel of that track would manifest itself in 13 other tracks, which all lend themselves to the 90s essence of true emceeing, storytelling, and realism. The project features many remixes to instrumentals and classic lines used by 90s artists who influenced Ivy. This creates an authentic 90s feel that features boom-bap production over rhythmic flows and lyrical storytelling/battle bars. Many of the songs on "90's Catz" were originally released as singles that featured cover art that imitates classics from Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Big Pun, and Nas. The homage is deep on "90's Catz" and rightfully so.
"Why would you try to compete cause tryin with me is suicide on the beat
I'm takin it back to the 90s where I'ma segway my pride to emcee" - Dungeons
A lot can be said about old heads vs. new school when it comes to HipHop, however, it is a misconception that younger people do not care for the styles and the music that came out of the 80s and 90s. Good music and talent are timeless, and those that can transcend generations will forever be revered by people of all age groups. In an era where disrespect for the 90s style of emceeing and production is almost glamorized, it's nice to see artists pay their respects to what paved the way for them. Ivy himself has studied that style since elementary school, and he puts it on full display with "90's Catz" You can find the album in its entirety on Soundcloud and Bandcamp. Hard copies of "90s Catz" can be purchased on Bandcamp as well!
"Shoutouts to Illzakiel, Phil A, and Bonez for engineering this project and making sure it was where it needed to be for me to feel comfortable releasing this body of work as a whole. Breed Tha Locc and Two-Ton Tuck for killing their features. To my family, girlfriend and the day ones for being my creative rubber wall to bounce ideas off of. And of course, everyone that's fuckin with this 90's Catz music!"
Favorite Tracks: 90's Party, Wonder Why, 92 And Beyond Pt. 3
Production – 4/5
Lyrics – 4/5
Flow – 4/5
Substance – 4/5
Feel – 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Longevity – 5/5
Overall – 4.2/5
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