Please Forgive Us, the out of this world collaboration between Whygee and Gyp Da Hyp (together as Whygyp) has been a long time coming. Those familiar with these two geniuses will recall snippets of the production and previously released tracks on the album, particularly “Pam Grier.” The production on this joint is incredibly stacked with rhymes and rhythm, just like the classic actress for which the song is named. The best thing about listening as Whygee and Gyp let the beat build is the diversity in content and production.
Whygee is an MC who rarely uses the same words twice in his verses and employees a formulaic scheme to his flow. Gyp Da Hip, on the other hand is absolutely wild with laconic horns and thoughtful samples. This album finds the MC playfully charming in his misanthropy but intellectually sky high. “Henny Hendrix” is my favorite track on the album with Whygee proclaiming his loyalty to both, going hard or going home, the smoke that fills his lungs and cognac. Be sure to listen for the futuristic references to the Dolorean and the lighters flicking throughout the saxophone notes floating through the raps.
The common theme running through this project is the sentiment of being fed up. Whygee is through with social media, fakes and rappers who can’t rap. This is especially evident on “Ungrateful Ass Niggas,” which is sonically the best record on the project. Featuring MC Big House, Gyp’s love of samba music takes House back to his Puerto Rican roots (as if he ever left) and he just gets loose with the execution.
The album is not all ranting and an airing of grievances. Whygee manages to slip in several philosophical anecdotes about society, the emasculation of the black man in media and the darkness of addiction. The latter is described in eerie detail with “Dark Passenger,” the musical equivalent to doing drugs in a Cadillac.
A solid 18 tracks long (including the hilarious “Rush Hour” interlude, a skit that anyone who is owed money or has owed money can relate to), Please Forgive Us is a sermon. Whygee, from the pulpit is the preacher and the wise one while Gyp Da Hip is directing the music. Check for the screaming organs on the King F.O.E. assisted “Bout That Life,” and the tongue in cheek track “Rap Magz.” Gyp is always the silent assassin from a producer’s perspective. Every song sounds different and, despite the cynical sentiment, the duo is convinced they’ve put out a project that’s a game changer and we agree, whole-heartedly.
The master is back.
Listen and Download the album here