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DJ Hi-Tek - Hi-Teknology 3Album Review by:
William E. Ketchum III
Sunday, December 2, 2007
 Though he’s not always mentioned in the same lists as names like Timbaland, Dr. Dre or RZA, Hi-Tek is just as (if not more) accomplished than most of his higher-praised counterparts. Helming classic albums with Mos Def and Talib Kweli before becoming an in-house producer for Interscope Records, the Cincinnati native can and has done it all, making heaters for everyone from Bahamadia to The Game without missing a step. His second solo disc, Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip, ended up being Babygrande Records’ highest selling album to date, showcasing incredible production and cameos from Talib, Q-Tip, Common and a slew of others. But with Hi-Teknology 3, Hi-Tek shows that he can win in any way he wants to.
When Hi-Tek employs established emcees to bless his beats, the results are undeniable. The captivating single “My Piano” is an organ and guitar riff-driven track with the proven duo of Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, while “Back On The Grind” features DPG legend Kurupt rhyming over a thumping soundscape reminiscint of his west coast roots. The minimalistic keys of “God’s Plan” serve as the perfect backdrop to Young Buck and The Outlawz’ meditation and ode to deceased mentor/partner-in-rhyme 2Pac, and conceptual gem “Time” features Talib Kweli showing that despite their Reflection Eternal album dropping six years ago, he’s still comfy rhyming over Hi-Tek’s subdued soundbeds. “Step My Game Up,” which first appeared on Little Brother’s Get Back album, resurfaces here with an extended cameo from underrated singer Dion (who kills the hooks on three other songs on the disc). On all of the above tracks except “My Piano,” Hi-Tek’s production willingly takes a backseat, simply serving as a fitting canvas for its emcees to paint their verbal illustrations.
On other tracks, though, Tek is forced to take a more active role. “Ohio All-Stars’ features four rappers who are anything but, spewing despicable punchlines like, “I’ve got the flow like Pac, I’ve got the weight like Biggie, I’ve the muscle, like I was fucking 50.” “I’m Back” and “Kill You” feature no-name emcees Rem Dog and Push Montana, who are talented, but not as engaging like the superstars mentioned earlier. To help these lesser-known and less capable acts, Hi-Tek supplies them with some of the most memorable beats from the disc, making these tracks feel nearly just as potent as the ones with their more popular counterparts.
While not as star-studded as its predecessor, Hi-Teknology 3 manages to be perhaps more fulfilling. Working his third solo project like a seasoned coach, Hi-Tek knows who his stars are and he knows who his role players are, and he uses them all accordingly to add another win to his record.
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