As I sit down to write about this album, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia hit me. It’s rare for a record to hit me with such a powerful emotional punch before I even press play, but that’s exactly what happened with ‘Sex Packets II The Re-Up’ by DU Next Generation.
Music discovery is a journey we’re all on. Some folks out there haven’t even heard a Beatles song yet – as unbelievable as that might seem. But I don’t judge. I’m just happy when people finally stumble upon great music, no matter when it happens. Sometimes, though, you come across something you know intimately, something you grew up loving, and the emotion that wells up inside you is indescribable. That’s what I experienced with this album.
For me, it all goes back to the summer of ’93. I was just a kid, spending my days playing Mortal Kombat with friends, watching the Bulls clinch their third championship in a row, and lounging by the pool with an ice cream cone. That’s when I first heard “The Humpty Dance.” My young mind couldn’t grasp the meaning behind the lyrics, but I was instantly hooked by its infectious rhythm and the group’s incredibly charismatic frontman. Now this moment, meant a lot to me.
That moment marked my introduction to hip-hop, and I fell head over heels for the genre. Digital Underground, in my opinion, stands as one of the most significant groups in music history, regardless of genre. Their legacy is truly remarkable, and their impact on the industry can’t be overstated.
We’re in the midst of some major milestones that really hit home for me as a long-time fan of Digital Underground. Just a few days ago would have been the birthday of the late Shock G, also known as Mr. Humpty Hump. What an absolute legend he was. It’s hard to believe he’s gone, but his impact on hip-hop is undeniable, and will never be forgotten. At the same time, we’re celebrating the 35th anniversary of Digital Underground. That’s three and a half decades of groundbreaking music that has shaped the genre in countless ways.
Adding to the significance of this moment, Chopmaster J, despite facing some serious health challenges, has returned to the scene. He’s not letting anything hold him back from celebrating these important milestones. And he’s not doing it alone – he’s teamed up with his son, S.O.T.U, to release “Sex Packets 2 – The ReUp.”
When I heard about this new record, I got excited. It’s going to pay tribute to the classic 1990 release. But it’s not just a rehash of old material. They’re bringing some fresh ideas to the table, along with something I absolutely can’t get enough of – more funk.
I think what makes this release so interesting to me is the blend of nostalgia and innovation. It’s like revisiting an old friend, but finding out they’ve got some new stories to tell. The idea of honoring the past while pushing forward into new territory really appeals to me as both a fan and a critic.
And of course over the years I’ve uncovered layers I never noticed before. It turns out, I think, that the original “Sex Packets” album was actually a concept album to some degree. I didn’t realize this when I was younger, but it’s built around these magical pills that could, well, essentially take you to another astral plane, so to speak.
Listening to their music over the years, I always rediscover so many aspects I had missed before. Things I didn’t understand as a kid suddenly clicked into place, and I found myself gaining a whole new appreciation for their artistry and writing.
It’s fascinating how music can evolve with us. The same album that had me bobbing my head as a kid now has me analyzing lyrics and conceptual themes. I think that’s the mark of truly great art – it grows with you, revealing new depths as you bring your own life experiences to each listen.
This revelation about the concept behind “Sex Packets” has me even more interested about what “Sex Packets 2 – The ReUp” might bring. Will it continue the narrative? Will it expand on those themes in ways that speak to our current times? Those questions were swirling in my mind as I approach this new release. Spoil alert, it’s every thing you want, and more.
The album kicks off with an intro track from S.O.T.U, and right from the get-go, I’m hooked. He drops this line, “the sound is laid down by the underground,” and I’ve got to say, it’s such a cool way to open the record. Hearing that in 2024, presented for a whole new generation, just feels right.
This short intro has a nice groove to it. It gives us a taste of what S.O.T.U is all about, and I love how he throws in all these little nods to setting the tone for what’s to come. One thing I really appreciate about this record is how it manages to blend new styles while still honoring the old school tracks it’s reimagining. We’ve got fresh context, new meanings, and updated lyrics, but it all feels connected to the original spirit.
Take “The Danger Zone,” for example. It’s got that old school vibe, but they’ve cranked up the funk factor. And can we talk about that Burger King reference? Absolutely brilliant. I need to hear at least something about BK in DU. It’s these little touches that make the album feel so nostalgic. And I plan on listening to this record nonstop, not only because it’s phenomenal, but also for maybe any little subtle obscure references I’ve might have missed.
I think what’s striking me most as I listen is how seamlessly they’re bridging the gap between past and present. It’s a reinterpretation that feels relevant to today while still staying true to its roots. The production quality is top-notch too. Everything sounds crisp and clear, but they’ve managed to retain that raw, underground feel that made the original so special. It’s a delicate balance, but from what I’ve heard, they’re nailing it.
The track “Underground” really caught my attention. It’s a quick hit, but it packs a punch. What I love about it is how it captures the essence of what made Digital Underground such a cultural phenomenon. It’s like a time capsule, reminding us of the incredible impact they had and just how special Shock G was.
This track, to me, really highlights how Digital Underground made music that simply made you feel good. It’s the kind of song that puts a smile on your face, whether you’re actively listening or just vibing out with it in the background. It’s got that happiness factor that was so central to their sound.
You know, I remember “The Humpty Dance” being played at elementary and junior high school dances, despite the lyrics. They had this incredible ability to be both playful and serious at the same time. The message behind it was, kinda empowering – no two people are going to do it the same way, you might look silly, but who cares? That’s the whole point. In a weird way, it gave you confidence. It made you feel like you could be cool just by being yourself. I mean, you can have a big nose, but that would never stop you from getting busy.
When I’m writing about music, I often try to draw comparisons or find influences from other genres. But with Digital Underground, it’s tough. They were one of the first hip-hop, but there’s nothing you can really compare them to. They were true innovators, doing their own thing and doing it incredibly well. And now, that’s what we have here.
“Underground Bump” – is another standout track on this album. What strikes me about this one is how it seems to touch on the theme of evolution. There are some great lines about how nothing can really stay the same, and sometimes you’ve got to “change lanes” as he puts it. It’s an interesting reflection on growth and adaptation in the industry overall, as well as DU.
The sound of this track is just fantastic. It’s got a really fun vibe to it that makes me want to move. But what really blew me away was the production, especially the vocal mixing. The way they’ve used vocal overlays is incredibly clever. I’d highly recommend listening to this one with a good pair of headphones. The mix creates this almost an 8D effect where you can hear these cool, almost ghostly vocal overlays during the hook. They seem to travel from one ear to the other, creating this immersive experience. It’s a great example of how modern production techniques can enhance the listening experience.
This kind of attention to detail in the production really elevates the track. It’s not just about the lyrics or the beat – it’s about creating a full experience. I think it shows how much care and creativity went into crafting this album.
As I listen to “Packet Man 2,” I’m struck by how cleverly they’ve built upon the original concept. This sequel takes us into a future where these magical packets have become a full-blown phenomenon. It’s a brilliant way to revisit and expand on the ideas from the first “Sex Packets” track.
It opens with a barrage of voicemails, people desperately seeking packets. It’s such a stark contrast to the original, where we heard Shock G being introduced to these packets. Now, we’re witnessing the aftermath – the demand, the addiction, the frenzy. It’s like we’ve jumped forward in time to see the consequences of this fantastical concept.
And my God, talk about how inflation has really hit us here folks. In the original, it was 3 for 10, and now it’s 2 for 20. The production on this track is really impressive. They’ve managed to incorporate elements from the original while giving it a fresh spin. The brass section, for instance, is still there, but it cuts in and out in quick bursts. It’s like they’ve taken the DNA of the original arrangement and instrumentation and remixed it, slowing it down and mixing it deep into the new track.
What I find really great about “Packet Man 2” is how it serves as a commentary on addiction and demand. In the original, we were introduced to this wild concept. Now, we’re seeing its effects on society. It’s a clever way to explore themes of desire, escapism, and the unintended consequences of technology.
This track really exemplifies what I love about this album so far. It’s building on some of the old ideas, expanding the narrative, and using the original concepts as a springboard for new creative directions. It’s nostalgic, yes, but also forward-thinking.
I think what I appreciate most about “Underground” is how it acknowledges all of this. It’s not only a song – it’s a celebration of their legacy, their uniqueness, and the joy they brought to so many people. As I listen to it, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with their music in the first place.
This album has completely blown me away. It’s easily one of my favorite releases this year, and I can’t stress enough how incredible it is to see this project come to fruition. What makes it so special is how it manages to be every bit as fun and creative as Digital Underground was back in the 90s, while still feeling relevant today.
The way they’ve approached this album is really impressive. They’ve taken familiar elements and given them new twists, introduced awesome new content, and managed to respect the legacy of Digital Underground while pushing forward into new territory. S.O.T.U’s talent really shines through on this record. The way he’s working with his father’s legacy while carving out his own path is truly remarkable. You can feel the love and respect for the original material, but also the desire to create something new and exciting.
What I think is really special about this album is its broad appeal. If you’re a fan of old school hip hop, you’re going to find so much to love here. But even if you’re more into contemporary hip hop, or just appreciate the techniques and traditions that have shaped the genre, you are going to love it just as much.
I know it might sound cliche, but this album really did take me back while simultaneously giving me something new to be excited about. An all around amazing album.
