The Dope Technique mixes modern and retro

Hip-hop has long existed on a rich base of already-recorded music, enabling the source of its power to come from the vinyl records that producers often listened to as kids.

The Dope Technique

Dope Indeed

Self-released (thedopetechnique.bandcamp.com)

Grade: B

Rocks Like: The Roots, Jay-Z, Nas

Hip-hop has long existed on a rich base of already-recorded music, enabling the source of its power to come from the vinyl records that producers often listened to as kids.

The Dope Technique wants to be one of those records — or, rather, a modern equivalent that exudes the history of music through every contemporary rhyme. With its new seven-track album, the group’s members — including Pitt alumni Nick Anway, Ethan Cohen and Sarah Bakhit  — have put forth a worthy effort that showcases their talents as both wordsmiths and musicians.

On the album Dope Indeed, “Intro” features a snippet of Robin Williams from “Dead Poets Society” and ominous echoes of an ethereal female voice. The album then spins into the voice of a narrator — which sounds similar to the voice over a mixtape or an MC telling the listeners what they are about to hear.

“Word Play in Am” draws heavily from retro influences like the Roots, combining it with lyrics reminiscent of Jay-Z. In the song, Plots — “the ill-cat in a Philly fitted cap” — spits fresh rhymes that mentions hipsters, sizzurp and the Pennsylvania Turnpike all in one verse. While the artist is only a featured player here, Plots’ verse is a noteworthy addition.

“Numchux”  veers too suddenly between modern and retro styles — the hook feels a bit jarring compared to the rhymed verses that surround it. Though the tone is smooth throughout, the exuberant and playful chorus of “Technique is dope indeed / give the people what they need” seems a bit out of place next to more serious verses about how “the game needs me / like these Catholics need rosaries.”

“Welcome to the Playground” regains the balance, flowing with a powerful vintage sound that perfectly suits the nostalgia evoked by the emcees. Smokey trumpet, soulful guitar and an articulate rhythm all come together to put us near the slide.

“Hold to it like the jungle gym,” one emcee says in the second verse, “abusing these lines / rhymes tighter than Levis / I swear I’ve been writing this lightning since I was knee-high.”

While there are a few rough patches, Dope Indeed is an intriguing brand of local hip-hop that is more than local in both scope and sound.