Lawless Element's 2005 release "High" on Raw Material represents a solid entry into the hip hop landscape of the mid-2000s. The project showcases the artist's commitment to versatility, offering multiple versions of each track across the seven-song 12" vinyl. This approach reveals Lawless Element's understanding of hip hop's diverse listening contexts, from street-level authenticity to radio-friendly accessibility.
The album's standout tracks include the title piece "High," which appears in three distinct iterations demonstrating the artist's ability to adapt their delivery across different production aesthetics. The instrumental versions provide particular value for collectors and producers, offering clean canvases of the underlying production work. "Rules Pt. 2" continues the thematic thread suggested by its sequel status, while the closing centerpiece "…Something" rounds out the offering with three more variations on its core concept.
The vinyl format emphasizes the project's appeal to serious collectors, with the standard 12" pressing serving the hip hop community's preference for tactile media. "High" captures a moment when East Coast hip hop maintained its emphasis on lyricism and production quality, making this Raw Material release a respectable contribution to mid-2000s underground hip hop culture.
