Released: April 26, 2011
I came across these fellows a couple years ago and I must say that they have been quite consistent in terms of the quality of music they have released throughout that time, with all the Value Packs or whatnot. Iye (Producer/MC) , Jerreau (MC) & Jay Swifa (Vocalist/Producer/MC) form the trio of Fly.Union, or Fly Dot U. Fly.Union recently released a project entitled TGTC (which stands for The Greater Than Club). They gave fans, listeners & casuals the option of either purchasing this project from iTunes (which is the path I chose) or to download it for free directly from their website. With this being the group’s first official album, let’s see if it measures up to their previous outputs.
1. “Salutations” (Produced by Iye)
On the project’s first track, each member of the Fly Dot U trifecta delivers salutatory verses introducing to themselves with an Iye dream-like track serving as the backdrop. This introspective record reminds you of a sort of “top of the morning” track which sets the tone for the rest of the project coming straight from Ohio…Columbus, Ohio to be exact.
2. “Hard Sell” (Produced by Iye)
This is the second release from TGTC. With Jay Swifa delivering one of his trademark Pharell-like hooks displaying his vocal talents, Iye & Jerreau hold down the verses as they belittle their opponents as they seem as if they are literally making a sell by talking a good game (and music-wise they deliver). The track is topped off with the infamous Muhammad Ali “Greatest of All Time” speech, where he talks s–t in his own right.
3. “Good To Go” (Produced by Jay Swifa)
Fly.Union – Good To Go (prod. by Jay Swifa) by So Left Field
On this track, which was featured on Value Pack 6 as well, the collective switches it up with a banger provided by Jay Swifa, as they proceed to let you know they’re good to go in any aspect (i.e. in your town, with your girl, behind the wheel, etc.). This track, in particular, is one that Fly.Union really swags on. Also, this is one of the few tracks in which each member of Fly Dot U rhymes. Jay Swifa, more so known for his production and sing-songs hooks, doesn’t disappoint as his laid-back style does this track much justice. “Uh Oh!”
4. “5000′ (Produced by Jay Swifa, Co-Produced by Iye)
“5000″ starts off with a soulful sample then proceeds to be flipped with that Jay Swifa bounce. The track is co-produced by Jay Swifa & Iye, who actually make up the duo, Monkey Wrench. The production provides the platform for the group to speak on being “Audi”, which means “I’m out” or “I’m good”. Within the song’s context, they probably mean I’m out, although I speculate that it’s both. Useless Fact: The “I’m Audi” phrase possibly stems from the movie “Clueless” or “Stepbrothers”, which refers the Audi 5000. Anyhow, this is definitely a nice track…another headnodder.
5. “Finish Line” (Produced by Iye)
TGTC slows it back down a little for this one. Jerreau is showcased on this track with the 2 verses and he delivers once again. Jerreau reminds me a little of Jay-Z; he has so many quotables. If I wrote each one, this review would be ridiculously long. It’s not to speak down on the other 2/3′s of the group’s rhyming abilities, which are solid mind you, but it’s to speak upon the talents of Jerreau. With Iye on the third verse and Jay on the hook, Fly.Union explains that regardless of what happens and how one feels, at the end of the day, they are finish line (i.e. the prize), who else you gone run to?
6. “Long Run” (Produced by Jay Swifa)
“Long Run” is the lead single for the project. The track, produced by Jay Swifa, has a Common – “The Corner” feel to it with a little more bounce. They’re speaking on their shortcomings and anxieties. Iye, who’s rhyming is often overshadowed, delivers with his verse as he spews his soul on some real life s–t. If you listen to him hard enough, he says some things, word to Jeezy. Jerreau brings it again with another 2 solid verses. With Jay Swifa on the hook, Fly Dot U proclaim that they are just getting started and that they are here for the “Long Run.”
7. “Love For You” (Produced by Jay Swifa, Additional Production by BJazz)
This track spotlights Jerreau Bankroll speaking from the heart as he discusses various issues that arise when dealing with others and their expectations of you. He even gives the great advice of “adding patron when life hands you lemons.” Gotta respect the honesty.
8. “How To Act [Interlude]“ (Produced by Jay Swifa)
This is a real fly (no pun intended) joint. I REALLY wish this was full song; it’s a shame that it’s only 1:06 in duration. One word: BANGER! “And when we pull up in that, they ain’t gone know how to act…”
9. “Friends.Women.Money” featuring Dom Kennedy (Produced by Jay Swifa)
“F.W.M.” boasts a solid feature from “The Original” Dom Kennedy, which is the project’s first feature. This track is basically speaking on the subject of possessing the combination of a few amount of friends with a good amount of women & money. Add Jay Swifa on the hook and you have pretty good track.
10. “Control” (Produced by Iye & Jay Swifa)
A track about females who have the thing to make you lose control. Even though it reminds me of a N.E.R.D. track, whom I love, it is one of the weaker tracks of the project. However, the lyrics were still on-point.
11. “Don’t Call” (Produced by Iye)
TGTC bounces right back with another solid joint provided by Iye. This one is a different look from Iye’s more soulful, mellow tracks. Jerreau stands alone on this track while speaking on the intricacies, complications, and dealings of the dating life. A very good record.
12. “Look Up To The Sky” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid & P. Blackk (Produced by Iye)
On here, the artists speak upon their strengths and their confidence of being “the one”. The track is great on every aspect, from Jerreau’s verse to Iye’s verse to the hook from BJ the Chicago Kid. Aside from that, there is an even brighter spot on this joint in the form of P. Blackk. The 19 year old fellow Columbusite (not sure if that’s correct) from the group Milk+Syrup, RIPPED this track. Definitely a banger.
13. “Do It For You” featuring Pac Div & BJ the Chicago Kid (Produced by Jay Swifa, Additional Production by BJazz)
Fly.Union teams up with another talent threesome (pause), by way of the Left coast, in Pac Div. Each MC drops jewels & sprinkles game on their verses throughout the track. The record features another solid feature from BJ the Chicago Kid, who provides a rather jazz-like hook. And as always, Jerreau delivers. The track does sounds somewhat like Kanye West’s – “Heard Em Say”, but “Do It For You” is still an excellent track.
14. “Who You Wit” (Produced by Iye, Additional Production by BJazz)
This is the last official track in which Fly.Union is actually performing. Each of the group’s 3 members does a verse. On a track that resembles Kanye’s – “We Major”, Fly Dot U are informing you that they are here and here to stay…so “Who You Wit?”
15. “Sincerely” (Produced by Iye & Jay Swifa)
This is more so a bonus track/interlude as there is no actual rapping on the track. The record consists of the phone calls from fans showing love to Fly.Union. It’s actually kind of cool that they allowed the fans to make the album. The actual track that serves as the backdrop for the record is actual pretty dope; it has sort of a Neptunes feel to it.
CONCLUSION
This is an excellent output from the Columbus, Ohio Trio. You can definitely let this one ride, no skippers; never really a low point for the project. The album maintains a nice change of the pace to keep the interest of the listeners. At 13 full tracks (which excludes the interlude & outro), the project is not too short, not too lengthy, although, personally, I wouldn’t have minded a longer project. The combination of Jay Swifa + Iye (“Monkey Wrench”) provides dope production, the group’s lyricism is splendid (especially Jerreau’s) and the songs are complete. I give this album an 8.5 out of 10. “It’s Fly Dot U, where dreams come true…”
Standout Tracks: “Good To Go”, “Long Run”, “Finish Line”, “Look Up To The Sky”
It is encouraged that you take a listen for yourself and also support good music and please purchase if you enjoy.
Website: http://www.flydotu.com
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[...] for “Don’t Call” from Fly.Union’s dope project TGTC (which was reviewed HERE). Fly Dot U’s frontman Jerreau speaks on the intricacies, complications, and dealings of the [...]
[...] is featured on Fly.Union’s project, “TGTC (The Greater Than Club)” (which we reviewed HERE). In the video, the fellas take to their hometown of Columbus, Ohio as they speak on being [...]