by Evan Kramer
Straight out of Orange County, New York, EP and Matter Ov Fact, also known as The Doppelgangaz, remind me why I love hip-hop so much. The Groggy Pack first impressed me with the 2011 full-length LP, Lone Sharks, and captivated me once again with the 2013 release, Hark. My Hark CD is as hot as a stove from all the times I’ve bumped it in my car. The Doppelgangaz’s music is not traditional car music (which is usually unnecessarily loud with heavy bass) but their music sedates me into the most comfortable mood no matter where or when I listen to it.
The Doppelgangaz are so unusual and innovative with their ghastly production, raw rhymes and legendary black-cloaks, which symbolize hip-hop as their religion. Featureless, and self-produced, the duo is changing the game, and reviving the craft of boom-bap with a modernized, spooky flair. Their music comes off dark, but not bitter, and it’s intertwined with descriptive lyrics that demonstrate more of a grimy and disheveled side. Some songs may take long to accept, which is why a committed listen is required.
EP and Matter Ov Fact have a bright future ahead of them even though they do not live in the spotlight. Though an album per year is ordinary, The Doppelgangaz plan to release a second album in 2013 along with releasing Lone Sharks (Deluxe) and Beats For Brothels (Remastered), both out on August 6th. I’m overjoyed to see The Ghastly Duo staying busy with their music, and I’m hoping that they start touring, especially around Philadelphia. Buy and preorder at www.thedoppelgangaz.com and most of all, support good music.
