A thoroughly compelling hip-hop success, Different Type of Time is the new album from BRUUS and Uncle JoNH III. Both highly respected in Chicago’s hip-hop scene, the duo excel with their atmospheric beats and insightful lyricism — exploring both Chicago’s culture and more universal insights into one’s personal evolution. BRUUS’ raps and Uncle JoNH III’s beats combine for a consistently consuming sound.
Radiant strings flourish amidst a hypnotic bass-heavy undercurrent on opening track “Da Crib,” where BRUUS’ “I’m Chicago,” refrains showcase the project’s veneration for their home city. The instrumentation invokes a last-night traversal through the city streets, passing by various sights and locales. “When they ask me where I’m from, shit, I’m from the crib,” the vocals conclude, with a final declarative “I’m from Chicago,” furthering the album’s commencing track as a heartfelt ode to The Windy City. “Dreams Come True” then ensues, balancing soulful title-touting vocal melodics and debonair hip-hop flows. “You never know what period in your life is the twilight,” BRUUS then enters, artfully emphasizing the finite nature of time and the importance of seizing the day.
Further ruminations on time’s passage, and confronting an aging reality, stir on “Midlife Crisis.” Glistening piano and steady rhythmic precision complement a riveting vocal drive. The track is also a thorough showcase of Uncle JoNH III’s fantastic production. A beautifully melodic shift takes hold before the one-minute turn, where gorgeous acoustic guitars and a soulfully enveloping vocal sample converge with replay-inducing immersion. “Never been scared of the dark, ’cause I roam there,” BRUUS delivers thereafter, strutting a confidence and inner-strength that’s vital in coming face-to-face with personal strife.
Another standout track, “Summer ’05” embraces Chicago culture and history — referencing Cabrini-Green and Cubs attire — amidst a delectably grimy beat. Accounts of tumult and conflict enthrall, with the narration being precise in the “ten minutes later,” stream-of-conscious feeling and alternating vocal tones. Shades of Kendrick’s “Duckworth” show in the use of gunshots and personal narration. Approaching sirens come in the conclusion, bolstering an ominously meaningful impact.
Album finale “Worst Enemy II” captivates as well, moving within a more elegant string-laden majesty. “How does it feel, knowing your plan backfired?” a deep vocal presence asks to start, again contemplating on time — and how the kids aren’t kids anymore — and the potential for lifetime suffering. “Talking to my enemy,” a moving final refrain emanates, enjoyably concluding this masterful, heady hip-hop album from BRUUS & Uncle JoNH III.
