Album Review: To…From…

What started simply as a guy building a bond with his barber, California hip-hop artists Yep and T.i.E have come together to create their vision of seeing tomorrow before yesterday. Tomorrow, Yesterday are already using their distinct and original sounds to climb up the musical career ladder—they’ve opened up for hip-hop acts like The Pharcyde, Busta Rhymes, and J*Davey.

Produced by A3, To…From…, an unparalleled nine-song album, begins with the title track. It’s a short introduction that prepares the listeners for what’s coming: a mixture of boldness, cleverness and individuality. Thr album is dedicated to the ladies, escorting listeners through a journey of seeing the lady (“Ladies Night”), wanting the lady (“She It”) and attaining the lady (“Here We Go”). “Ladies Night,” the duo’s take on the old school Kool and the Gang classic, demonstrates their ability to take an already popular song and add their own genius lyrics, along with a psych guitar line blended with a basic piano chord and shakers. By the time “Lights Off” comes up, listeners have experienced the usage of innuendo, luxurious grooves and effortlessly cool lyrics that balance blunt wit and grown-man profundity.

While the music is enjoyable, and offers a taste of ingenuity that modern day hip-hop is lacking, this album is recommended for more mature listeners, as some of the content can get a little explicit, in both subtle and explicit ways.