Da Association, a Hip-Hop group formed in 2004 in Rochester NY, is a talented group of young men that have important messages, blistering rhymes, and catchy melodies to offer to the music world.  This group is talented and shows lots of potential.  No doubt that this group would do well on the Hip-Hop charts.

On the song “Hometown,” the young talented musicians bring in a catchy piano-driven tune with heart-felt lyrics. The song talks about the hometown where members of Da Association grew up—they rap about the hardships of this neighborhood, but even though it had its less then desirable traits, it still is what made them what they are today and they still look fondly back on it.  The song acts as a “shout-out” to the old neighborhood; and the song is strong lyrically and the catchy melody gets your head bobbing.

“Rather Be With U” starts off strong with a funky, 70’s vibe, with groovy guitar riffs and a chorus featuring an old school croon.  Again, the Rap skills of the band members are showcased front and center in this song and all three members get equal face time to show off their talent.  The only downside to the song is the repetitive nature of the chorus— the lyrics “rather be with you” are sang over and over one too many times.  But despite this flaw, the song is still well put together and pleasing to listen to.

The marching band beat and strong message of Da Association’s “Fist Up” makes this track one of the group’s best.  It’s a “black power” anthem, giving voice to the pride of the African American community in its ability to rise up and produce many successful members of society—such as the first black American president Barack Obama.  Not only will this song strike a chord with African American listeners, but to anyone who understands the struggle, of trying to rise up and become somebody despite any obstacles or others trying to keep you down.  The song carries a deep significance that anybody—black, white, purple—can relate to and feel strongly about.

Da Association is a Hip-Hop group that has talent and potential.  Their songs have meaning, feature scorching rhymes, and really showcase what these rappers/musicians can do.  With a little more work tightening up the compositions of the songs, this group can do really well in the mainstream.  Da Association may very well be tearing up the charts sometime in the near future!