The High and Mighty:
12th Man

Release Date: 13 June 2005

Reviewed By: Mamito Kukwikila

1. Garbage Time

2. Wonderama

3. Green Balloons

4. This Babylon

5. Star Destroyers

6. Outta Here

7. Damaged Goods

8. Patrick Bates On Hip Hop

9. String Music

10. Barbershop Quartet

11. Unholy Matrimony

12. Crack The Egg

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Upon receiving the latest cut from The High and Mighty, I was apprehensive as to how I would take to this rap duo, Mighty Mi and Mr. Eon, whom, prior to this review, I had never heard of. The unique sound of The High and Mighty epitomises underground hip hop, with its blend of techno/indie backbeats and clever word play. It is therefore quite astonishing why The High and Mighty have not acquired international popularity. Being the rap duo’s fourth album release, it begs the question: has “true” hip hop lost its way? Become too commercial; too mainstream? 

The head nodding productions of ‘12th Man’ (credit to Mighty Mi) is reminiscent of old school New York hip hop from the 1980s, resembling the likes of Run DMC and Big Daddy Kane. Listening to the Mighty Mi’s beats, one may think it draws similarities to more contemporary sounds such as Mobb Deep, Dilated Peoples and Eminem, all of whom have affiliated to the production maestro (Mighty Mi) to create ‘hip hop gems’. 

‘12th Man’ is due much praise in terms of is artistic creativity and matured professionalism towards the hip hop genre. It can be argued that The High and Mighty have an extreme sense of cynical humour, and may not appeal to a wide range of people. However, its lyrical power and experimental sound encourages and attracts you to what is being said. 

My favourite tracks off the album would have to be ‘Damaged Goods’ featuring Reef the Lost Cauze. This thought provoking track engages the audience to really acknowledge the ills of society and is a testament to the creative world Mighty Mi and Mr. Eon come from. It is especially made powerful with the string instruments, which compliments the percussion beat. ‘Outta Here’ clearly highlights the duo’s sarcastic humour, yet what is especially good about this track is how they mock the new ‘hipster’ rap generation, demonstrating that the rap industry is not easy and success is only acquired through hard work. The quirky, funky/electronic backbeat with the heavy bass gives the track a different sound.  ‘Unholy Matrimony’ featuring Princess Supastar is a great track, one that will have you nodding to the catchy beat and humorous word play. The humorous aspect of this track draws similarities to Kanye West’s ‘The College Dropout’, and Princess Supastar’s unique flow compliments that of Mr. Eon, completing the track. 

Being The High and Mighty’s fourth album, this release clearly demonstrates how talented this duo really is; a duo which take pride in representing true New York hip hop. The importance of this album I feel is that it showcases further other rap talents who have been in the rap game, yet are not recognised as much as they should be. Listening to ‘12th Man’, it is clear that Mr. Eon and Mighty Mi strive to create a new flavour of hip hop through the indie/contemporary sounds, whilst maintaining the old school hip hop beats. A breathe of fresh air. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 

Top 3 tracks: 

Damaged Goods

Outta Here

Unholy Matrimony

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