Nick and Nack, each a DJ, turntablist, and producer, put together this compilation album in an effort to "reconstruct" any negative perceptions of Southern hip-hop. Hailing from Austin, TX Nick Nack is part of an often-overlooked network of underground artists in the region who just so happen to deviate from the stereotypical norm. More comfortable expressing themselves with turntables and mics rather than with table-dances and pipes, their natural ability to transcend dirty-dirty cliché only further legitimizes their status as true, down to earth Texans. Led by the success of K-Otix and the production techniques of the Are, Nick Nack provides beats and cuts for an impressive cast of emcees, including Damien and Mic of K-Otix, Bavu Blakes of Soundscape, Head Krack, Tray God, Poetree, Lyrik, Disgruntled Seeds, and Environment. Delivering the boom-bap on tracks such as "Reconstruct," "The Better," and "Show You How," Nick Nack propels his guests into supreme battle mode. Meanwhile introspective approaches are adapted on songs including "Lock Dee" and "Real Life." The two tracks that feature G-Smoove of Environment, "Greg Scott" and "Scarred Soul," almost sound as if they are on a 2Pac tangent, and they work that way. Crafty drum programming abounds as Nick Nack shows how extensive DJ experience translates to the studio. Indeed the jewel of the album is a turntablist track titled "In Too Deep" that features Nick Nack and Enfoe practically matching the Invisibl Skratch Piklz lick for lick. A well-rounded album that certainly enhances the credibility of Texas hip-hop, Re: Construction is a sleeper in definite need of a wake up call.
© Robert Gabriel /TiVo