O.G.C., also known as the Originoo Gunn Clappaz, remain a cornerstone of Brooklyn hip-hop. Comprised of Louieville Sluggah, Starang Wondah, and Top Dog, the trio cemented their legacy with their 1996 debut, Da Storm, widely considered one of the most significant releases from the Duck Down Music Inc. catalog. While their sophomore effort, The MPire Shrikez Back, received a more tempered reception, the group has maintained a legendary status as a vital subunit of the Boot Camp Clik and the collective known as The Fab 5 alongside Heltah Skeltah. Now, three decades after their inception, the group has returned to celebrate their debut’s anniversary with the release of 3:30, their first project in 28 years.
The EP opens with “I Don’t Need You,” a track that sets a dusty, introspective tone over three and a half minutes, focusing on the realities of independent artistry. This is followed by “Make Peace,” which leans heavily into a classic boom-bap aesthetic, serving as a firm directive to those operating without the necessary substance. The project concludes with “Still Starang,” a standout track produced by Rockwilder. It serves as the emotional anchor of 3:30, offering a reflective look at the group’s journey from touring the globe to their current interactions with modern torchbearers like Joey Bada$$.
While the release of 3:30 coincided with Buckshot’s self-produced third album, The Payback, the two projects offer different perspectives on the current state of the Boot Camp Clik legacy. While The Payback may edge out the competition in terms of overall impact, 3:30 serves as a respectable and welcome return for the Gunn Clappaz. It is a marked improvement over their previous full-length, proving that the trio has lost none of their lyrical sharpness or internal chemistry. While the production on some tracks feels standard, the project succeeds as a nostalgic yet relevant addition to their discography.
Score: 6/10