Being introduced to Stevie Crooks' music in the spring of 2010 was a moment that won't soon be forgotten... While indulging in DJ Fresh85's mix during The Freshboxx on The Pulse with Yaya Martinez, he spun the title track off the Villains' release "Diamonds & Guns..." I was immediately drawn to the smooth samples laid over somewhat rugged claps and baps, and after the song ran its' course over the airwaves, Fresh was polite enough to inform me of the artist who had just struck a chord in my mind... I now had homework to do...
Having just acquired a new laptop at that point, my iTunes was in SERIOUS need of music as my previous library "went down with the ship..." I would later come to find that this situation was actually a blessing in disguise... With the idea to keep my new iTunes library fresh, I didn't immediately rip the (mostly) "classics" that filled my previous one... The idea was that it would force me to become more familiar and in touch with what's current and relevant in todays' Hip-Hop scene... After getting home, I downloaded "Diamonds & Guns" and it became the first musical addition to my new laptop... Shockingly (at that time,) a decent amount of time would pass until something else was added, as I would soon become somewhat preoccupied with this tape...
Then, after much anticipation, the following spring arrives, and with it, the next Crooks release, "The World Is Not Enough..." The cover art is an excellent representation of the secret agent inspired tape that's to audibly escort the artwork... The black fit while sipping red wine, the "Double O" and gun incorporated into the name, all against a gun barrel backdrop, set the tone nicely for the collection of songs that follow...The majority of tracks' titles on this tape directly reflect titles of Bond flicks, or something else directly affiliated with the agent himself, (cars, video games, books, beverages...) Excluding a couple skits, "State Of Style," and "Only When I'm dreaming" are the only two tracks that don't come DIRECTLY from a bond reference... BUT - fittingly, he does give a nod to Minnie, keeping "Only When I'm Dreaming" the same title, a very gentlemanly move...
"The Prelude" suggests that Stevie Crooks is giving a "locker room" talk to himself, discussing the realities of his life, questioning which areas in his life are unstable, and ultimately insisting he better his worsening situation... Immediately following the intro is the opening song "Diamonds Are Forever," which I believe does an exceptionally decent job at tying in subtle notes and references of Crooks past, amidst the more modern yet still vintage Crooks that is about to unleash on the remainder of The WINE tape...
After the opening tracks, the conceptuality of the album gains momentum and the stage is set for drama when he's given an ultimatum to join MI6... After accepting this turn of events in his life, I believe the next few tracks are him transitioning into a lifestyle he's only before dreamt of... Following contemplating the highs and lows of his new life in "You Only Live Twice," the next songs are his initial introduction to the path of being an agent, an embracement of the life his specialized skills are about to provide for him... He gets the elaborate toys, exquisite dress, and of course, finds himself the center of attraction to all the beautiful women his travels expose him to... Not to get too comfortable in the allure of the glamour, he maintains his rugged edge and confronts those who've once before or will soon stand in his way, in the very powerful "Goldfinger..." In "Dressed To Kill" and also "License To Kill," Crooks takes you on a journey of how his lifestyle has dramatically adjusted in regards to both his personal agendas, and also the business he conducts...
The next two songs, I feel as if he takes a small step back from the story he's developing, and dedicates a couple songs to reminding the listener of his lyrical prowess... This is also where you'll find the first guest appearance on a track, as "Casino Royale" contains a feature from Pheo... "Quantum Of Solace" is what I would consider to be the highlight track of this tape, which also happens to be one of the few self-produced tracks... The beat is driving, yet smooth, and he displays many different elements to his flow, which reenforces what sets him ahead of the pack stylistically... Also, the seasoned head should notice the soft-shouts to J. Dilla, a nice touch to an already exceptional song... There's an intermission between the songs that helps further the story, as the same people who got Crooks involved in the agency, plot against the flourishing agent and foreshadow the inevitable altercation that will follow...
In every Bond film, he's equipped with a high-end vehicle to utilize while fulfilling his objectives, and Stevie would accept nothing less... He keeps with the Aston Martin make, but chooses the "DB9" as the model for the song, but as he states, the automobile is actually his own mind... "I ain't got a Aston, but my mind is one. I'm DB9'n 'em 'til I'm finally drivin' in one!!" After tastefully expressing the depth and power of his mind, the following tracks help build to the climax, with him experiencing the pinnacle of his lifestyle as an agent, both the highs and lows, but still mentally trying to maintain a grip on what's truly important in his life... In doing so, he finds himself romanticizing with the single thing that's been by his side throughout the entirety of his missions, his firearm...
Without "spoiling" too much of the conclusion, I'll avoid mentioning how the rest plays out, but the closing skit and song (Die Another Day & The World Is Not Enough) maintain the high standard set by the entirety of the tapes' previous tracks... The title/closing track tie together many elements into the song, which create a good balance between wrapping up the storyline, addressing Hip-Hop, and still relaying a powerful message throughout...
I'm not going to speak on the "Bonus" cuts, other than I feel they are good in their own right, but that in this somewhat conceptual tape, they don't add a great deal to the entirety of the project... I'm not trying to take anything away from the tracks, it's simply that the tape would be just as whole without the addition of those songs on the end... The WINE tape is a stunning display of finesse and tenacity blended together like two varying extremes of grapes that create a very distinct fine wine. The agent tale supported by an orchestral background, integrated with sophisticated, yet gritty drums, told by the Villain himself, fell short on no accounts and is an absolutely solid piece of art…
Now, to accompany The WINE tape, of course one needs red wine!! I chose the 2009 Viticcio "Bere" Toscana, and it suited the listening experience quite nicely in the way it mingled it's bold and smooth qualities... Dark berry was present throughout the entire drinking experience, which went nice with the moderately full body... It did have a spicy touch in the finish, but it wasn't too overbearing as each sip remained very smooth, as the flavor profile lingered quite nicely... Granted a Bond themed tape could very well be accompanied by some signature martinis, but wine only seemed fitting for the occasion...
Mr. Crooks has since graced the stages of 2013's Paid Dues Festival, released a few projects, most notably his debut album "Born On Olympus," and he also has the "Bar Kelly" tape dropping in August!! His orchestrally influenced beats host his smooth storytelling flow amazingly well, paving quite the lane for himself and his unique sound... The Villain has steadily pushed his craft and is representing the west in an entirely different light, one that has set himself apart stylistically, and showed quite a bit of promise also... So pour yourself some red wine, push play on the tape, and indulge in the smooth sounds of one Stevie Crooks...
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