New York recording artists NEMS and Ron Browz have officially joined forces for a new collaborative studio LP, I Should Boom You. The project brings together two distinct pillars of the New York scene: NEMS, the Coney Island underground veteran who rose through the battle rap circuit in the early 2000s, and Ron Browz, the Harlem producer best known for his work on Nas’ iconic JAY-Z diss track, “Ether.”
Having previously collaborated on tracks like “The Bar Exam” and “Count It Out,” the chemistry between the two is evident. While the prospect of Ron Browz handling full production duties was a welcome development, his decision to rap on every track initially raised questions for long-time listeners. However, the resulting project proves to be a cohesive and surprisingly potent effort.
A Gritty Return to Boom Bap
The album opens with a gully boom-bap instrumental that sets the tone for the duo to trade bars about their status in the industry. Tracks like “Earl Manigault,” featuring Lil’ Fame, showcase the trio’s aggressive energy, while “First48” and “Kruger” lean into the dark, cinematic aesthetic that defines much of the project. The production remains consistently raw, providing a perfect backdrop for the lyrical sparring.
The project’s mid-section, highlighted by the Papoose-assisted “Here I Go,” maintains the traditional sound before shifting gears with “P Anthem.” This track pivots toward a club-oriented, raunchy approach, while “Nothing Gon’ Stop Me” incorporates reggae-inspired elements to emphasize the artists’ unstoppable momentum.
Final Verdict and Legacy
As the album winds down, tracks like “The Mush” and “Bendicion” continue to showcase the duo’s lyrical proficiency. The project concludes with “The Bar Exam,” a horn-heavy outro that serves as a final flex of their technical abilities. Despite some skepticism regarding NEMS’ recent output, I Should Boom You stands as a compelling addition to his discography, arguably surpassing some of his previous work in terms of raw production quality and consistent energy.
Score: 8/10