Villebillies is an unusual group for several reasons. This group has five vocalists. Add to that a full band including a keyboard. So if you're scoring at home (or even if you're alone), that's ten members in the group. This album begins with "Whiskey," the Villebillies's take on a classic theme. "If the whiskey don't kill me, I don't know what will." This is just another thing that is unusual about Villebillies: they have written a hip-hop song about alcohol without referring to Cristal. (Yes, it is possible.)
This album has plenty of songs that will get your head moving and your toes tapping. "Ol' Faithful" is a tune that combines the best of country and hip-hop. It features banjo and harmonica and if it doesn't get your toes tapping, you may want to check for a pulse. "I Got Moves" is a track with horns and classic funk bass lines. This is another track that is bound to get you moving. "Hey" is just an all-out assault of sound with fat bass lines, banjo, and guitar reminiscent of Living Colour.
There are also some more mellow tracks on this album, including "Grass Roots," an ode to the group's hometown of Louisville. This song is all about the good feeling of returning home (to where the people are real) after being on the road.
Villebillies is a refreshing album. It's nice to hear an original hip-hop album that isn't all about hos (What is the correct way to write the plural of ho, by the way?), Cristal, Escalades, and ice. These ten guys have created a sound that is unique and definitely worth listening to. And since this album is only thirty-five minutes, they leave you wanting more.
