This is the 10th EP from Harlem emcee 100GrandRoyce. Starting as a member The Stackboys, he eventually went solo in 2011 although it wasn’t until the release of his 5th EP Prodigal Sun produced by 183rd in the spring of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic where he caught my attention. The Return, Triple Crown & Unfinished Business would all reach the bar that Prodigal Sun had set & The Fix here produced by Dame Grease really peaked my interest.
“Shine” gets the ball rolling by incorporating claps into a cloudy instrumental with an interpolation of the “Wu-Gambinos” hook & grinding until the A.M. whereas “Above the Clouds” talks about having nightmares of ending up like everyone else out here working in a flute along with kicks & snares. “Cheri Amor” goes into soulful turf paying tribute to his sweet love just before “On Me” returns to the boom bap refusing to chase a chicken since they call him sometimes.
Starting the 2nd leg of the EP, “The Last Gone Be First” brings these exuberant piano chords into the fold talking about being cool as long as the bag right leading into “Block to the Bank” featuring BerryA bringing a jazzier flare to the beat going for dollars. “One of a Kind” bringing back the kicks & snares talking about being unique, but then “My Just Due” finishes The Fix on some straight up grimy shit boasting that he got the key to the city from the players.
Lo & behold: The Fix is the most I’ve enjoyed a 100GrandRoyce project since Unfinished Business. The production gives it a timeless & captivating sound blends hard-hitting beats with soulful melodies, the chemistry is evident throughout as they effortlessly complement each other’s styles & it’s a testament to the power of storytelling as well as the resilience of the human spirit offering a glimpse into the realities of street life while also conveying messages of hope, perseverance & the pursuit of dreams.
Score: 8/10