Brand Spankin' New: Isaiah and Hovey

Isaiah & Hovey are a new Hip-Hop tandem who hail from Yarmouth, ME and Arlington, VA, but both currently attend VCU. Isaiah Cee, the emcee, and Hovey Benjamin, the producer, have only put out two songs, but both feature a refreshingly original sound. Their second song, "Can't Help Myself," really shows that this isn't a typical hip-hop group. On that track, Hovey demonstrates some impressive musical knowledge, sampling and borrowing the chorus from the 1983 New Order song, "Age of Consent." Overall the production value is remarkably high for a new producer.

While the production plays a crucial role in building the catchy base for these songs, Isaiah Cee's lyrics will keep these songs on repeat for hours. Both songs are about Cee's love for all things womankind, but both avoid most of the clichés that are so common in mainstream hip-hop. In both songs, the lines are witty without sounding gimmicky. He delivers a flow that is Kid Cudi-esque, but not as sing-song like. Also like Cudi, is the sincerity of the message behind the smooth flow. Cee, especially on their first song "I Really Enjoy (Those) Girls," makes you believe that he is rapping about his life, instead of just rapping for the sake of showing off lyrical prowess.

While "Can't Help Myself" is somewhat of a weaker track overall than "I Really Enjoy (Those) Girls," the two songs make for a great first impression of this new duo. Let's hope they keep it up.

Both tracks will be on their first EP, "Being Good At Everything." The songs can be downloaded here and here.