By Dan Altman
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

With such a diverse group of people and cultures, it is not surprising that UH-Clear Lake students possess many interesting talents. Human behavior major, Derrick Gradney, is one of those. His own personal talent lies in the world of music.

Pla'-Boyz Derrick Gradney is also
a UH-Clear Lake student.

As a member of Houston's popular underground hip-hop group known as the "Pla'-Boyz," Gradney is looking forward to his first album release with friend and fellow rapper Byron Holman.

The duo came together to form "Invisible," and although their yet to be named album is not slated for release until December, the tandem's six track preview LP is blazing.

Gradney starts off the album's first track We Be Ballin with a wonderful mixture of both rapping and singing as he melodically refers to his youth life in Houston and his high school career at Clear Brook High School.

We Be Ballin borrows a sample from the Berlin song Take My Breath Away off the Top Gun motion picture soundtrack. We Be Ballin is a catchy song that will most likely get radio play as it has a nice mix of both rapping and singing. This particular track features Big T, who was also featured on fellow rapper Lil Troy's platinum selling single Wanna Be a Baller.

The production on the first single is strong and the mixture of sampling along with synthesized sound is great. Both Gradney and Holman provide lyrics for this song, with Gradney's lines coming along a lot smoother and clearer.

The next song on the album, I Wish I Was Them, brings a more upbeat rhythm to listeners and is sure to get you up and dancing. The lyrics and production, once again, are very strong and the rhymes coming from both Gradney and Holman are potent. It is quite hard to realize when listening to the album that these two rappers are on their first compilation and are just coming into their style.

Maybe the hottest single on the preview album is the track All Nite Long. Borrowing samples from the Lionel Ritchie song of the same title, All Nite Long is a rap ballad, bringing both a softer side to listeners while keeping with the true sense of hip-hop.

Gradney comes off strong with his lyrics, as does Holman, as the duo talk about the late night love antics involved with living the single life. This track is reminiscent of songs previously done by celebrated hip-hop acts, "The Pharcyde" and "A Tribe Called Quest".

The overall diversity of "Invisible" is what makes their act so entertaining to listen to. They can bring loud drums and synthesizers for club songs, and also provide laid back smooth lyrics and beats for the hip-hop purist. They provide a sound that is not only respectable on the street level, but also commercial enough to grace the national market.

Look for big things to come from "Invisible," and be sure to pick up a copy of their first album at record stores citywide starting in December. It will be money well spent.

Top of Page | Front Page