Champs Vs. The League is a collaborative project between Quite Nyce of the group RADIx, and Raydar Ellis of Short Bus Alumni and Project Move. The album is their first as a duo.

Quite Nyce and Raydar Ellis mix Native Tongues influences with sounds reminiscent of Rawkus-era underground Hip Hop. Their lyrics are thought provoking, without sacrificing substance for wit. The two often take on topics such as consumerism and individualism. For example: “Get rich, fuck the poor. That’s the model.” Those lyrics from “LaLaLaLa” seem simple on the surface, but they actually imply that a focus on materialism leads to a self-centered consumerism, and a neglect for the poor. Nyce and Ellis clearly come from the conscious side of rap.

The production on the album, provided by Ellis, stands out with some of the best beats of the year so far. Ellis is an alumnus of Berklee, and his musical training is clear. While Champs Vs. The League is sample-driven, Ellis displays his musicianship in his arrangements and bass lines. The record features high quality head-nodders and smooth, laid-back beats.

Champs Vs. The League is headphone Hip Hop, and that’s a good thing. You’ll want to relax with this record, enjoying the music, and actually thinking about the lyrics.

Quite Nyce & Raydar Ellis – “The Spirit”
Quite Nyce & Raydar Ellis – “Love Is” ft. Project Move

Purchase Quite Nyce & Raydar Ellis – Champs Vs. The League here.

Bonus – check below for a video of Quite Nyce and Raydar Ellis in the studio with Geoff from Portishead: