Album Review: Supreme Team – Vol. 1 Supremier

Supreme Team – Vol. 1 – Supremier

01 Intro: Before Start
02 M.U.S.I.C (feat. Choiza)
03 At That Time (feat. Brian)
04 Respect My Money (Clean Version)
05 Darling (feat. JC a.k.a JiEun)
06 Step Up [MV] [Live]
07 Where U At? (Simon D Solo)
08 Where To Go? (E-Sens Solo)
09 Sleepy (feat. Kim Shin Young)
10 Skit: Fools
11 Shinobi (feat. Tablo) (Clean Version)
12 Need Only You (feat. Gaeko)
13 Interlude: Seoul Escape
14 Take Me (Feat. Beenzino)

Purchase This Album

I was first introduced to the hip-hop duo, Supreme Team in Korea last summer after hearing their hit single, “Supermagic” in a commercial. I was immediately hooked by the song’s catchy beats and did a quick research on the group. It turns out that Supreme Team consists of members Simon D and E-Sens. The boys have debuted last year with a mini album and after gaining some success, returned this past March with their first full studio album, “Supremier.” Their fourteen-track album, produced by Primary, features various guest appearances including Brian, Tablo, and Dynamic Duo.

The first full length track is “M.U.S.I.C,” a groovy medium tempo number with laid back vocals sung by Dynamic Duo’s Choiza. This song basically sums up how significant music is for the duo, as it was what set their paths today. The album continues with “At That Time” which follows the previous track in terms of beats and style. The mellow, yet upbeat number revolves around Brian Joo’s sweet vocals which flow beautifully with Supreme Team’s rap.

The album soon takes upon a different approach with “Respect My Money” which starts off with heavy beats and fast rapping techniques. The rich bass and quirky instruments heard throughout this track, only make the song catchier. The next track, “Darling” is what I was most excited about, upon looking at the track list. It features vocal accompaniment from YG artist Ji Eun, who also seems to go by the name JC. There has been no news of Ji Eun’s (solo) comeback, so I was glad to hear a new track featuring her. Ji Eun’s soulful vocals along with Supreme Team’s slick rap definitely make this R&B track worth a listen.

The next track is title song, “Step Up,” a lively number that incorporates old school hip-hop sounds. The music video makes use of old school cartoons of Korean school boys and girls with a special twist, matching the concept of the song well. Although I thought this song was a bit weak for a title track, the bouncy rhythms and fun lyrics made it still nonetheless enjoyable.

“Sleepy” is a track that seemed to stray from the norm. As the title suggests, the song is about being tired and not wanting to do anything. The fun lyrics are something many can definitely relate to. Comedian Kim Shin Young takes part in a brief “rap” dialogue in the middle of the track in which she takes upon the role of a nagging mother. The slow off-beat bass brings out the “lazy” mood of this unique number.

The last song I wanted to mention is “Shinobi,” another upbeat track with hardcore beats. Supreme Team and Tablo take turns rapping along to the slick scratching of the turntables by DJ Pumpkin. It is reminiscent of some of Epik High’s less mainstream music; thus, I think fans of hip-hop will definitely get a kick out of this song.

Although I’m not too familiar with hip-hop music, I must say that Supreme Team did a great job working with songs that ranged from hardcore hip-hop to R&B numbers more catered to mainstream music listeners. It seems that the album has something for everyone.

4/5

5/5 – Even if you’re not a fan of this artist/group this album is a must buy.
4/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you must buy this album.
3/5 – If you’re a fan of this artist/group, you might want to add this one to your collection.
2/5 – I don’t think a fan would even buy this.
1/5 – You might as well just flush your money down the toilet