Hip Hop Habit: The Benchwarmers Clique
posted in: Features • Urban
Hip Hop was born into this world some forty odd years ago with an emphasis on lyrical dexterity and hooking rhythms. With every generation of fans since then adopting the art form as their own, rap fads have come and gone, making the only continual trend that of inconstancy. That being said, it’s a rare occurrence for a group attracting praise from all breeds of enthusiasts to take the stage. Luckily for us, one such group happens to have graced the presence of OurStage. Meet The Benchwarmers Clique.
Joka Wild and Travesty the Lazy MC met on a basketball court. They were young guys with average lives then, and their raps continue to perpetuate them in that same arena; commoners rapping about the daily routine and about escaping it. Benchwarmers Anthem howls like an underdog’s triumph, which may very well end up being the case for these two unconfirmed captains’ last picks. The lyrics flow like warm Floridian sea breeze, even acknowledging their lack of reputation in the opening verse “ How y’all feel it’s the benchwarmers click/ ˜who?’/ You know, the benchwarmers clique! Calm and faithful, the two MCs make their own relaxed declarations about the quality of their craft, all floating lackadaisically over an old school brass band beat.
Off The Block reads just like you would predict “ anecdotes on their current state of being hit the corner store get some packed goods/ stop by the park roll blunts in backwoods/ clear blue sky/ fresh new kicks/ gear too fly don’t stress loose lips and a shout out to all grindstone slaves caught in the same entrenching monotony of a full time job“ Day dreamin’/ all the day long/ on the 9-5 wishin’ this was my day job. The beat follows in their trademark laid back vibe with sluggish percussion, and inserts a chilly blue hue with the hypnotic swirling ambience resting at the front of the mix.
These two MCs are well on their way to taking off the warm ups and heading onto the court. With Off The Block and Benchwarmers Anthem having been selected to be a part of allhiphop.com’s media zone, and having been nominated for URB’s next 1000 contest, it’s safe to say it won’t be long before the Benchwarmers are on the starting roster. Check out their material below, and leave your feedback in the comments!