Team Dynamite's debut album Respect The Process arrived in 2021 on the Years Gone By label, marking an important entry point for the hip hop collective. The project showcases the group's commitment to craft and consistency, themes embedded in the album's title itself, which emphasizes dedication to artistic development over quick results.
The ten-track LP balances brevity with substance, opening with the atmospheric "Images" before settling into the propulsive "Gladys Knight." The album maintains strong momentum through the middle section, with "Lightning Bolt" and "I Like That" establishing the group's lyrical presence and production sensibility. Side B opens with the brief interlude "Island Songs" before diving into deeper explorations on "Who?" and "The Reason," where the production becomes more intricate and the themes more introspective.
"Dragon Fruit" stands as a standout mid-album highlight, while the closing "Goodbye" stretches to over five minutes, providing a contemplative finale that respects the listener's journey through the record. Throughout Respect The Process, Team Dynamite demonstrates proficiency in their craft, delivering solid hip hop that rewards patient listening. This vinyl edition captures the album's carefully sequenced narrative effectively.
