SOB x RBE collaborated with producer Hit-Boy for their most recent project, “Family Not A Group.” This came as a surprise to many fans after rumors arose that the collective would be splitting up in late 2018.
SOB x RBE is a combination of two groups from Vallejo, CA. It may be difficult to tell that there are four members when three of them sound extremely similar. The one who sounds different, Yhung T.O., is the member who planned on leaving after the sequel to their “Gangin” album, which would have left the group even more one-dimensional than they already are.
SOB x RBE makes some solid music. They release constant bangers that are energetic and can get people moving. However, they don’t have a huge amount of range as each rapper has their own style that they hardly stray from, if ever. The overlap between their styles is one thing that defines them as a group, but limits them in terms of growth.
“Family Not a Group” exemplifies this. While Hit-Boy provided some great production to a typically rough-sounding group, between his beats and the mastering of the tracks, it was still just an SOB x RBE project with no discernible development from the vocalists. Not to discredit the producer of “Goldie” and “Paris,” Hit-Boy has done his fair share. Unfortunately, I think it is just SOB x RBE that can’t evolve beyond what they already have.
To call the entire project terrible, or even bad would be incorrect, the album has some of SOB x RBE’s best work. However, with the looming split-up hanging over them, I worry about the future of the artists. How will they do as solo acts? Or, if they do stay together, how will they break up the monotony of their “bay area” flow that they use on every. Single. Song.
I hope for the best for SOB x RBE because they make entertaining music that is great to hear live or anywhere where ignorance and fucking shit up is on the itinerary. However, unless they can evolve past what they have been since their breakout to fame, I don’t see their careers surviving the break up.
I rate this album 4/5.
Mitchell Kret can be reached at [email protected] or @mkret222 on Twitter.
