Shawn C’s smooth, dreamy production provides a nice contrast to Tefic’s sharp-as-nails delivery. It’s a match made in heaven, and they certainly seem more comfortable together than the duo’s name might imply.
Again, Tefic proves he can put his own spin on any of his favorite artists’ music to make it his own, and Shawn C shares that ability. There are echoes of Drake/Clams Casino here, but layered against every other hip-hop heavyweight you’d hope to hear, from Kanye West to Kendrick Lamar. “Those of Us” and “Appreciation” feel radio-ready, and the entire affair is whip-smart and exciting with each passing listen.
With two stellar releases in a row under Tefic’s belt, he soon should be ushered right aside the likes of Jabee and Josh Sallee as one of Oklahoma’s favorite emcees.
The five-song effort whets your appetite for something even more substantial to bite into. The Strangers’ self-titled EP is available as a name-your-price download at thestrangersmusic.bandcamp.com. —Joshua Boydston
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This article appears in Aug 1-7, 2012.