Ourselves and .... Nas, Andre 3000, Gnarls Barkley, Mos Def, The Roots, Jay-Z, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nina Simone, Redman, The Killers, Queens of The Stone Age, System of a Down, Boot Camp Click, The Wu and the love of making music.
UE: 'Tragedy 2 Triumph'
as reviewed by Susan 'susiQ' Kim
Music Vibes: 8 of 10
Lyric Vibes: 9 of 10
TOTAL Vibes: 8.5 of 10
The New Jersey duo of Upper Echelon consisting of Caliph and Tunde represents "a higher level
of awareness in our music and ultimately in our state of mind." After many individual, independent
releases of their own, the two come together in "Tragedy 2 Triumph" to narrate the accounts of two
separate lives, two stories, two missions and how they eventually come together to initiate a merging art
form.
Upper Echelon shows their many talents with tracks that run the gamut of subject matter both
reflective and lighthearted. There is a track for every kind of listener whether it is about continued
existence or good-humored amusement. "Tragedy 2 Triumph" exemplifies the profound lyricism and poetry of
Caliph and Tunde of UE with their use of words and intelligence to tell a story of their journeys past
and present.
Instead of "Tragedy 2 Triumph" should have been called "Burning Star," a metaphor used continuously
throughout the album to instill the positive message to try and reach astronomical heights as epitomized
in "Show Me the Way":
"Life is a beautiful thing or it can be a terrible thing
It's all about choice
Your perspective on the whole thing
That's the beautiful thing about being human
Free will
Choice
A star in the sky doen's get to decide whether or not it wants to shine, but you do
So what do you choose?
Do you want to be a burning star or a black hole?
The world is a ferocious stream
That's filled up with lost souls and broken dreams
And few dare to challenge the current
A balance the torrent
Instead most go with the flow... downstream
So those childhood dreams now seem so unattainable
So out of their grasp
That they no longer reach for 'em
That hour has passed
The warrior been turned into a coward at last
And the devil does its victory dance
And the world is once again cheated
And God is defeated
Complacency... that's the demon in disguise"
Resuming the theme with an upbeat, the positive awareness of survival is also seen in tracks
such as the "Look Alive" featuring Kurayjus, to encourage the truth about staying both aware and alert.
It features a hype, yet classic rock feel packed full of electric guitars and horns to revert back to an
eclectic experience. Heavy drums and guitar are featured in "Morning Glow" as sped up lyricism feeds the
amplified energy in the track. Over a simple beat with horns and hard doubled up bass, the struggle to
build the impossible into something possible, while looking beyond the misfortunes in "Tragedy" features
the singing of Natalie Desir.
The album features many sampled tracks such as a twist to A Tribe Called Quest's "Award Tour"
in UE's "Back in a Year" and modifies the lyrics to a new "World Tour" instead. It describes a year full
of defiance while touring the world. While on tour and passing through ATL, Tunde's clever and humorous
approach of beginning a lyrical sequence rather than speaking while leaving a message on a voicemail to
an unsuspecting "Bernadette" is imaginative as he says:
"You probably got a man by now I'm sure
But I was still hoping you'd be open to the idea to explore
The idea of me swooping you off the floor
For just one night then I'm back on my tour
I'm staying in room 112 by the pier
Don't call me back just come right here
I let the front desk give you the clear
If you don't see me now I'll be back in a..."
Another sampled amusement is featured in "Heatwave" reminiscent of Martha Reeves and The
Vandellas' 1963 hit "Heat Wave." With a mixture of old and new school flair with organs in the
background, the track embodies the once classic song into a type of hip hop enlightenment to reveal the
heat that comes with UE's progression in music.
UE touches upon highlighted, poignant moments in the album that cover the past and the future
including "Things R Changing." Caliph remembers his mother "Midiah" who has passed and shows how life has
transformed into something remarkable with the rise of his music and birth of his son. On the other side
of spectrum Caliph dedicates the bonus track "Hey Son" to his child as the legacy of his family lives on
through him.
Upper Echelon has successfully embraced the story of "Tragedy 2 Triumph" through the wide
array of unmatched tracks and beats as I can honestly say that I cannot compare them to any other
artists. With their fresh, new style and lyricism to amaze the masses, the variety of tracks includes
insightful, yet witty wordplay, the trials and tribulations of an artist, and audible sounds created from
their own brainchild. Their expedition through the album becomes an integration of a known familiar
territory for each. With this in mind, the end to numerous tragedies and the beginning of many triumphs
for UE has commenced.
BUY UE's NEW CD 'TRAGEDY 2 TRIUMPH' NOW!! CLICK BELOW!
BIO
Up-per Ech-e-lon n.
1. The higher level of responsibility, rank, or authority.
UE is currently in the studio working on the their 2nd Release, as well as continuing
to perform songs off of their debut album "Tragedy 2 Triumph."
The release of their first album "Tragedy 2 Triumph" earned them raving reviews from critics as well
as honorarable awards. At the top of the list of UE's major accomplishments was the 2007 Underground
Music Award for "Best Rap Duo." Also, their heart-felt hip hop ballad "Things R Changing" earned them a
nomination for Song of the Year in the 2007 UMA's. And their electrifying performance of "Look Alive"
earned them yet another nomination for "Best Performance" in the 2007 UMA's ceremony that took place in
BB Kings NYC. In addition to the UMA's, UE has also placed first in the prestigious 1 Draftpick
Showcase and First place in the renowned Faces in the Crowd Showcase that both take place in NYC.
UE's entrance into the Hip Hop world has been quoted as a "Breath of Fresh Air" by Rap
Fanatic magazine. When their debut album "Tragedy 2 Triumph" was released the critics immediately took
attention to the quality of the production of the music. The whole album was produced by the group
themselves. Steve Mack from Okayplayer.com quotes "Caliph and Tunde know what sound they are looking for,
the production on this album is almost flawless." Although Rapreviews.com refers to UE's production as
"audible sounds created from their own brainchild," the group gives credit to Hip Hop influences such as
Outkast, and a Tribe Called Quest, Rock N Roll influences such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, and Rhythm
and Blues influences such as the Four Tops and Frankie Beverly and Maze.
Along with the unique music production of "Tragedy 2 Triumph" comes witty, yet insightful
songwriting that has received equal praise from the critics and fans . Tunde and Caliph of UE have found
the median in their lyrics to be able to express true feelings and concepts in an entertaining fashion.
Their diverse taste in music reflects in their range of lyrics and subject matter. Okayplayer.com writes
"Tunde and Caliph are quality lyricists who have the innate ability to metamorphose their talents to fit
any style of song." Rap Fanatic Magazine further quotes: "UE utilize witty wordplay, a variety of subject
matter and, most importantly, are unafraid to have fun with their music bringing a refreshing golden age
era sensibility to the current landscape."
As "Tragedy 2 Triumph" earns critical acclaim, UE continues to perform songs in various
venues in the tri-state area. As the winners of two major showcases in NYC and performances in most of
the major venues in NYC, UE has proven that artists can still put on an entertaining and electric live
show with nothing but a showtrack and 2 mics. Whether it's a heart-felt emotional ballad like "Things R
Changing" or an Energy Driven Rock and Soul Hip Hop jam like "Look Alive," UE commits themselves to
leaving everything on the stage during their performances. UE continues to burn the stage up and leave
home with more fans than they came in with.
The reviews and accomplishments are great, but they are only a reflection of what UE is. UE is short for
Upper Echelon which means higher level. They are 2 men who are constantly striving to push the envelope
in their genre of music and inspire their listeners to strive higher in all of their endeavors. UE
inspires people to step outside of the box and show their uniquness. This state of mind and perspective
is what has allowed UE to stand out from the masses of uniformed artists that saturate the genre.
JOIN THE MAILING LIST AND STAY UP ON THE MOVEMENT!!
Yo this is Andrew from bonaventure aka Big Dwam I had my song played and I got thrown out while i was talking to you at fosters..i got a bunch of shows on long island this summer, it would be great to get you guys out here for a few of them. Its all about networking, my email is bgdwam@yahoo.com Hit me up and we'll talk
Caliph and Tunde!!!! What's good with it yall man I haven't been to your page in a minute...I would like to consider myself the ORIGINAL UE out of state fan who went thru hell with the post office over my UE CD they lost...LOL!!! So happy the joint is doing well I still bump yall right next to JayZ! I can't find ya on FB though ( add me on FB under my name) I don't come on myspace that much these days..FB or Twitter only...I was hitting you up because I got your email ...so proud of you guys! You know you have timeless music when it continues to reach the masses years after its birth!! LOVE YA
I'll be calling you back soon my brothers ... really slammed with school for a few more weeks and then I'm gonna get you that grammy. When am I adding some live guitar?
Hey Hey... I said I would drop you a comment so I am... just got back to my actual house... I'm still working on trying to get ya to come up... I really hope I can get yato come out to our school
UE ... :) Jus comin' thru 2 show some luv while I can. Been CRAZY busy on da music tip lately. Stay n touch... and no matter what... Keep doin ya thang aight? Happy holidays to you and yours. :)
Coming through to shead my blessing on this wonderful day. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you if you celebrate the holiday today, and if you don't than HAPPY THURSDAY!! :o) Hope all has been well!
