In Full Gear: Stetsasonic’s Sonic Revolution that Time Overlooked
An in-depth look at Stetsasonic's double-LP album and its unheralded contributions to Hip-Hop.
In the latter part of the 80s, hip-hop blossomed into maturity, its vibrant, youthful energy increasingly harnessed with sophisticated finesse. Pioneers on this frontier, Stetsasonic, stepped into the limelight, their path illuminated by the glow of innovation. In Full Gear, their 1988 offering, was an ambitious double-LP set that underlined their visionary approach, fully using emerging sampling technology while retaining the vivacity of their unique live-band format.
The brilliance of In Full Gear lies within its sonic exploration, representing every stylistic branch of hip-hop. It was a pioneering effort, going beyond the confines of their debut album. As an aural palette, In Full Gear was rich, vibrant, and daring - a cornucopia of styles crafted with the deft hand of maestros who understood the genre's roots and potential for growth. This innovative application of new sampling technology laid the groundwork for the future of hip-hop, demonstrating the genre's capacity for diverse textures and layered narratives.
Indeed, Stetsasonic used In Full Gear as a canvas to paint detailed and evocative sonic pictures. Songs like "Sally" and "DBC Let the Music Play" showcased their versatility, effortlessly shifting from pulsating hip-hop tracks to rhythmic, melodic treats with catchy melodies and infectious energy. Their ability to infuse music with a profound socio-political consciousness was even more impressive. "A.F.R.I.C.A" was a rallying cry for solidarity, underpinned by insightful lyrics and a haunting melody that showcased the band's commitment to addressing pertinent issues.
However, In Full Gear never seemed to receive the acclaim it deserved. Released during a golden era of hip-hop, when classics were emerging with dizzying frequency, this ground-breaking double-LP was perhaps overshadowed. Yet, its importance is undeniable. The album was a massive step forward for the genre, defying the limitations of technology and style to carve out a niche for Stetsasonic that was truly their own.
The allure of In Full Gear is undeniably linked to its grand ambitions and musical brilliance. Moreover, it embodies the fundamental values of hip-hop, leveraging the genre's diverse characteristics to create a vibrant, diverse, and stimulating auditory experience. Songs like "Pen & Paper" served up classic hip-hop fare, brimming with lyrical dexterity and rhythmic vitality. In contrast, "This Is It, Y'all (Go Stetsa II)" unveiled the depth of the band's creative palette, merging hip-hop with elements of jazz and soul in a manner that felt both organic and refreshingly innovative.
In Full Gear maintains its charm and relevance despite the time. Its daring fusion of styles, intricate lyricism, and incisive social commentary remains a captivating snapshot of a transformative period in hip-hop. Through the album, Stetsasonic achieved more than a collection of songs; they constructed a vibrant panorama of their understanding and interpretation of hip-hop, forging a path that countless artists would tread in the years that followed.
In retrospect, In Full Gear was a bold, audacious plunge into the depths of what hip-hop could be. Stetsasonic's sophomore effort demands a re-examination, a place in the pantheon of hip-hop classics, and an acknowledgment of its role in broadening the genre's musical approach.
In Full Gear is an inerasable statement to Stetsasonic's profound contribution to the evolution of hip-hop. Despite the passage of time and the numerous classics that have since emerged, its significance should never be underestimated. It remains a touchstone of innovation and an enduring piece of hip-hop history.