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'Home Field Advantage' is one of the landmark albums of modern 'indie' rap, coming at a time when the Rawkus label could do no wrong. The High & Mighty would leave the label soon after and create ill-will on both sides, so this record is basically the only momento of the terrific union between the two forces. And what a momento it is.
The High & Mighty are the rapper/producer team of Eon and Mighty Mi, respectively. While 'Home Field Advantage' fits well within the 'backpacker' mold of Rawkus hip-hop, the album puts a much greater emphasis on the time-honored traditions of sports, women, and getting stoned. For many, it's more of a 'blue-collar' album that appeals to those who think artists like Black Star are a bit too preachy or abstract. (I don't feel that way, per se, but it's out there.) The entire record is light-hearted and maintains a laid-back, friendly vibe throughout.
The true strength of 'Home Field Advantage' is the superb production of Mighty Mi. Just about every beat is catchy as hell or a pure head-nodder. At his peak (which was, well, basically this record), Mighty Mi was one of the premier producers in indie rap. As for the vocals, well, Eon is no Rakim, but he has an easy charm and likeability that carries him throughout the record. He serves up some nice punchlines and keeps the energy level high with nice steady flows.
Stoners or not, The High & Mighty were smart enough to know that Eon (scrappy underdog though he is) couldn't carry a whole album on his own. To that end, they roped in an unbelievable slew of guest rappers that tear the place apart. From big names (Eminem, Cage, Mos Def) to indie cult favorites, you will hear some of the finest rappers of the era flowing beautifully over Mighty Mi's superb beats. Other than a few stiffs on 'Hands-On Experience,' everyone brings their A game.
Anyone into indie rap (particularly from the Rawkus era) simply needs to own this album; hell, any hip-hop fan should. Even if you're not into sports or herb, the untouchable production on this record makes it one of those albums that sits in your car or CD changer for ages, just in case you want to pop it in and groove. The High & Mighty would never reach this level again in their later releases, but this is one hell of a party.
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