Pro Era Sets The Mood Right On ‘The Secc$ Tap.e 2′ Mixtape

The young rising Brooklyn natives Pro Era released their highly anticipated mixtape The Secc$ Tap.e 2. The compilation comes two years after the release of The Secc$ Tap.e , where the Beast Coast rappers carry a more matured, picturesque, and sensual vibe to the sequel. The group that's best known for embodying the '90s nostalgia has seized the spotlight, especially CJ Fly alongside Joey Bada$$, who has surfaced as lyrical geniuses after the releases of their solo projects. The Brooklynites never let their hometown go unnoticed since it is notorious for emerging some heavy hitters like Jay Z and Talib Kweli. For the new generation, Pro Era has made it their mission to revitalize the golden age of hip-hop and exemplified that in The Secc$ Tap.e 2.

As promised, the group wasted no time in conveying their cohesive combination to core fans and to the world. A provokingly seductive teaser of the new Secc$ mixtape featuring Kirk Knight (in a white silhouette) and Joey Bada$$ and Powers Pleasant getting #ProEraWeek trending on Twitter showed their movement hasn't slowed down. Pro Era's initiative was to drop a song a day, completing #ProEraWeek with the seven-track tape right in time for Valentine's Day.

On it, they used classical, smooth beats evoking a vinyl sound that showcased their distinctive styles. Songs like "Sol Luna," a deep velvet, upbeat song, and Joey letting the ladies know that “age wasn’t nothing but a digit” on “Pantie Raid Pt. II” are clear standouts. Dirty Sanchez was not far behind as the upcoming MC exercised his fast-rapping abilities on the hot track "Give Her A Call" featuring Dyemond Lewis and Dessy Hinds. To round out the tape, "Chocolate Strawberries" was the perfect closer: Hinds' metaphor-laden bars and Knight's sharp guest verse didn't disappoint.

Overall, as a collective effort, Pro Era delivered an exceptional tape. Joey, Dessy and Kirk seemed to be featured on most of the tracks, but Dirty Sanchez impressed new listeners with a track you couldn't just play once. Although the expectation of more tracks were wished for, it is most certain that they continue to set the bar for poignant lyricism. Secc$ Tap.e Vol.2 is for those who know a thing or two about setting the mood. Your candlelight dinner awaits.—Sarah Alston