Hi-Teknology 3: Underground is the third album in Hi-Tek’s Hi-Teknology series. It is due to be released on December 11th.

I have been a fan of Hi-Tek since I first heard his beats on the Reflection Eternal album with Talib Kweli. His past two Hi-Teknology albums were pretty hot and I have been anxiously anticipating the third installment.

Just as Hi-Tek did with his previous album, he passed the mic to some of hip hop’s lesser known MCs, while continuing to work with the usually names; such as Talib Kweli, Dion, and Jonell.

Let’s get on to the track for track review…

1. Tek Intro - Nothing special about the intro, just a brief monologue by Tek’s mother (of someone claiming to be his mother) talking about how Tek was born into a world of music. It does it’s job, it sets the stage for the album.
2. Life To Me (featuring Estelle) (9/10) - I love how the intro goes right into this song. This smooth joint features vocals from up-and-coming British artist Estelle Swaray. She has a really nice voice and sounds great over this smooth laid-back track. I love how Hi-Tek uses a lot of pianos in his songs. This track was very well put together and could very well be single material. Look for Estelle’s album, Shine, due out in February ‘08!
3. Interlude (featuring Lil’ Tone) - Haha, here’s a cute rap from Tek’s 10 year old son. It’s great that Hi-Tek includes his son on his albums. If you remember, he had an interlude on Hi-Teknology 2 of his son playing his first beat. And now he raps too?!?! Damn, we might be hearing something from Lil’ Tone in a few years!
4. My Piano (featuring Raekwon, Dion & Ghostface Killah) (10/10) - This track right here is SICK! Hearing the piano in the beginning, you’re thinking another slow jam, right? Nope. The beat kicks in an Raekwon hits us with a dope verse. Is it just me or does Dion sound a lot like John Legend on the chorus? When Ghostface spits, this track really has you noddin’ yo head. This is a star-stellar song right here!
5. God’s Plan (featuring Young Buck & Outlawz) (9/10) - You knew someone from the G-Unit click was gonna make an appearance on here. With Young Buck rappin’ with the Outlaws this eerily songs like a Tupac joint. I think that’s the feeling Hi-Tek was going for here. More pianos on this track… very nice tribute to Pac.
6. Ohio All Stars (featuring Cross, Showtime, Mann, Chip The Rippa) (8/10) - We got a bunch of unknowns on this track. Forgive me, as I’ve never heard of any of these cats. Supposedly they’re all reppin’ Ohio, but why do they sound like they from the south? Hi-Tek hails from Cincinnati, so it’s nice to see him share the spotlight with his homies. The track is average at best. Like I said; sounds like something out of the south.
7. Back On The Grind (featuring Riz, Kurupt & Dion) (6/10) - From the south-inspired beat of “Ohio All Stars” to the west. This track could very well be a joint from Dr. Dre! Damn, I didn’t realize how versatile Hi-Tek was! Dion’s singing hook again and we get verses from west coast’s Kurupt. I’m an east coaster myself, so this one’s a sleeper for me.
8. I’m Back (featuring Rem Dog) (5/10) - Hi-Tek switches things up again with this track featuring Atlata-based artist Rem Dog. He’s got a nice flow, but wait — does he have a lisp?!?!? I don’t know about this one Tek. The beat’s pretty average and this dude’s lisp is throwing me off!
9. Kill You (featuring Push Montana) (5/10) - So far, I’m feeling pretty disappointed with this album. The first couple of tracks started off great. I don’t think it’s Tek’s beats. I think it’s the artists we chose to feature on the tracks. This song is no exception. The Push Montana sounds like a Plies-wannabee. Besides that, the beat on this track is way too repetitive! Definitely not feeling this one.
10. Handling My Bizness (featuring Lep, Count, Big D & M-1) (7/10) - The only artist I recognize here is M-1, from Dead Prez. The raps are definitely better here than the last couple of tracks, but I’m still disappointed with the beat. Tek can do much better than this repetitive bullshit.
11. Come Get It (Tekrumental) (featuring T-Pain) (8/10) - Already, this track has much more potential than the last five tracks did. I don’t know, maybe I prefer Hi-Tek’s more chill beats. As much I I like the beat on this track, it probably could have been condensed to an interlude track. It’s a little long for an instrumental track. Thankfully T-Pain’s not singing all over it, but he just adds his touch here and there.
12. Step It Up (Remix featuring Little Brother & Dion) (9/10) - Even though this track was on Little Brother’s Getback, it’s a nice welcome on this album. The track says this is a remix, but it sounds exactly the same as the previously released version. Am I missing something? I don’t remember what I said about the song when I reviewed Getback, but I don’t think it was a favorite of mine from the album. However, on this album it stands out! “Baby do you want a massage?”
13. Know Me (featuring Jonell) (8/10) - I like Jonell’s voice, ever since I heard her sing “Round & Round” on the first Hi-Teknology. It’s a shame she never really broke out. Her voice is what makes this track, although there’s not really much of a clear hook. Musically the song doesn’t really have much of a structure. It’s just kind of all over the place to me.
14. Time (featuring Talib Kweli & Dion) (10/10) - Hi-Tek left the best song on the album for the end! I’m so glad he invited Talib Kweli on the album. He definitely saves the day. When are we gonna get another Reflections Eternal album?!?! That’s what’s up! This here is more of that classic Kweli/Tek juice.
15. Outro - What’s the point of this outro? Shout outs? Man, I’ll read the linear notes of I want… oh no Tek’s singing?!?! Stop the track! Stop!

I had good vibes from this album initially, but after taking a good listen. I have to say I’m disappointed overall. Sorry Tek. This album is like an inside-out sandwich — most of the meat is in the beginning and end of the CD. I tell you, the first few tracks on here are classic Hi-Tek joints and then he finished nice with Kweli. But there are a lot of skipable tracks in between. Alright, maybe I was a little too hard on this album. I guess I was just expecting a lot more. It’s not a bad album, just average. Two words Tek — Reflection Eternal. Make it happen.

Total runtime: 51 minutes, 58 seconds
Stand-out Tracks: Life To Me, My Piano, God’s Plan, Time
Overall Score: 7.5/10

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