(Animal & Hawk)

We are truly blessed to be living in an era where wrestling and hip hop can live so harmoniously with one another, with the last decade being a building block for the trend that has taken the culture by storm, and now we get to add another classic to that list as I present to you 

ANIMAL & HAWK

BRAND NEW album by the notorious Penlordz Fam, Ross, and Audio Messiah! (With Arsinel on the track ‘Mean Gene’ With regular producer Da Grand Hova handling the 12 tracks provided, and as expected (based on the single I reviewed), this is yet again another glimpse into the aggressive side of Penlordz, and I’m all here for it!

It’s important to understand that when an artist or band, whatever you are basing your record off, a concept or theme, you match the production accordingly.

Considering this album is paying homage to the legendary Animal and Hawk, it is crucial that you match that same grotesque, terrifying, and violent nature of the duo they were so famous for, and Da Grand Hova has done this exceptionally!

From that opening interlude with the iconic ‘WHAT A RUSH’ catchphrase and a spoken passage to further hype the audience up! And from there, we get more intense and surreal instrumentation that is synced to the legacy of the Road Warriors.

I’m talking about aspects such as 

– chaotically paced violin

– methodical drums

– deep bass lines

– distorted synths/piano keys

– Minimalistic ambient exterior 

– Blues/Jazz themed chord progressions and more.

The focus being these are all either dark, gritty, or emotionally triggering sounds that make the listener feel a certain way, whether that be somber, adrenaline, or power! Da Grand Hova has constructed a sonic narrative to (even if just for a small moment) peer inside the minds and souls of the Road Warriors, and that is a magical thing!

Let’s get one thing straight. You won’t find a better duo than Audio Messiah and Fam Ross. (Let alone a better trio than Penlordz), but regardless, these two are lyricism personified. If nothing else, their ‘PEN’ are sure to be stuff of ‘LORDS’, and they don’t really have any competition in that area.

It’s scary to realise how much diversity they actually have when they are inherently possessing the spirits of the road warriors and coming across as two of the most savage MC’s in the game.

From their newly formed over-the-top adlibs and vicious sounds, they truly are a reincarnation of Animal and Hawk in rap form, and they utilise the 32 minutes of content in making sure they do justice to the duo! 

I love how ruthless and relentless they sound together! This isn’t the same humble and considerate pair I was discussing earlier this year; this is a new evolution, one based on power, raw skill, and admiration. They understand who and what they are trying to pay homage to, and they ain’t leaving anything to chance; they are releasing every bit of intensity they have inside of them to capture that essence, and it honestly gives me goosebumps how well they do it!

If you’re talking about the Penlordz in any capacity, then their skills as rappers should never be questioned. At this point, it’s about how creative and innovative they can be on new projects and how much further they can evolve from where they are now, and based on this, their ceiling is endless.

With Grand Hova on the cut, they could be looking at a run that is untouchable! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2BjfzK2h7fhrqXk9dAwkxh?si=8zGIOVnKSsqJSgH5-2xHHg