A photo of a mother bottle-feeding a baby in a 70s-era apartment becomes the first introduction to Repeat Offenders debut By Example, and from that moment forward, hip-hop has a new face. The image, reminiscent of Esther Rolle as the matriarch of poverty-stricken Cabrini-Green, is engrained on our subconscious, and at the same time this sounds like the hip-hop soundtrack to Good Times that never was. Loaded with positive vibes and lyrics that don't require a Parental Advisory label, Repeat Offenders make throwback music for throwback folks.

With interludes that create images of inner city America struggling to get ahead on deep pile shag carpet and Fat Albert cartoons, there are certainly comparisons to The Roots and Talib Kweli to be made, but the fact remains this is clearly separate and original. Tracks like "Building" fall back on Cooley High and Friday night life on the stoop, pouring some on the curb.

Where Kanye West spends $20,000 on a jacket for the Grammys and pouts when he doesn't win, Repeat Offenders aren't in it for the glory, just the message. The RO weren't weaned in private schools and they make no bones about it. There's no glory in winning here, it comes with playing the game.

"Smooth Talker" has a bass line that's as groovy as Digable Planets' "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" and found its way into my iPod quicker than a Sugarhill Gang bootleg. "Be Strong" features a sample of Jerry Butler's "Only the Strong Survive" that sends this one through the stratosphere. There's no reason why this track should go unnoticed.

"Rain Trickles Down" and "I Believe" are strong in context and self-exploration that are only found in the earliest tracks of Boogie Down Productions. What highlights this album the most is what it doesn't have: sexist, tacky intermissions that permeate commercial releases. No need. Respect creates glory. Something Mystikal and Ludacris apparently don't understand.

DIY hip-hop may just be making its mark, but Repeat Offenders are well on the way to becoming innovators of a still completely unformed genre and possibly becoming forefathers of a new breed of music-making.

Originality.....to me its what many failed to bring out when a so-called artist drops an album. Nowadays you go to ya local album store, and all you SEE, and HEAR are duplicated versions of a marketed idea. KRS-One said it best, things in REALITY ain't always REAL. But when I put my ears to this album, it brings out somethin' natural, somethin' exquisite, somethin' REAL, somethin'...ORIGINAL. This isn't some planned out blueprint or marketing idea from whut coporate america would do to sell and exploit. This is somethin' independently made, by ya average joes that know whut HIP-HOP is and know the state of mind of being starving. BY EXAMPLE from REPEAT OFFENDERS is somethin' that many heads should adapt there ear drums too. The album takes you on a trip, kinda reminded me like whut Common Sense's One Day it would All Make Sense Album did. I enjoyed listenin' to these tracks, with its laidback vibes, and realistic concepts like SMOOTH TALKER, and I BELIEVE. Or coming with its skills on defining whut is really hardcore, pointing out its incomparable differences like the track STREET SWEEPER, which happens to be one of my favorite ones, big up to 8bzag on that production. LINEAGE, a track thats brings its storytelling technique in play, along with a dope beat by SL. And of course tracks with its own version of hard experiences and painting the mind on whut a struggle really is, on that track BE STRONG, which is another favorite of mine, also dope beat by Trauma King. Anyway, to many of ya'll exploring on whut hiphop music is really based on, don't subdue to buying crap that is as bitter as your month made oatmeal and recycled garbage you find on TV. Expand ya horizon and go deep underground to expose a better truth and essence. I recommend this album most definitely to the heads. Peace to SL, Thrill, and HipHop on a sick release, peace and respect,1.

A repeat offender is someone who is charged with the same crime more than once, but what about when the crime is being real. In today’s hip hop game, it seems like it’s more of a crime for an MC to speak from the heart, than to rap about the crimes he committed. By Example is earnest compilation of tracks inspired by real world experiences, lyrical dexterity and passion.

The majority of mic time is held down by R O front man S.L. AKA super lyrical underground giant, or S.L.U.G. Other production and vocals are provided by Thrillmatic and Hip Hop. Early on, SL shows his unique style on “I Found Her” and “Smooth Talker” by making tracks inspired by love without one mention of skeeting, phat asses, or “tossin dollas.” The lovely vocals of Miss Trulala accompany “Smooth Talker” and “The Meaning of Life.” SL is at his best though when he is speaking on inspirational topics backed by authentic situations, or just destroying the facades that are prevalent in the game. “Street Sweeper” is a direct showcase of raw talent and disgust for what’s going on in the game. The true gem of this album can be found on “I Believe,” filled with poignant passionate rhymes that will definitely captivate the soul.

Versatility is also shown throughout this disk. “Bounce To This” is a quick display of SL kicking it with a fast bounce flow. Breaking it down with the ability to tell a story relating to what he envisions everyday, SL informs you to put your “Windows Down” and listen to the sound of the street. “Jamaica Jawn” is a light hearted almost party type of good day track to break up the seriousness of other cuts.

The main slight in this project is in the production, the majority of beats are average at best, but some are mediocre. Sometimes it a piano that’s out of place (“Rain Trickles Down”), weird tracking of sounds (“Messages”), or just overall unimpressive phasing of tones (“This Life”). SL is strong mc with a charismatic approach, who doesn’t stray too far away from his strong points. Besides a few haphazard lines here and there, he is totally capable of being captain of his crew. The moments when SL isn’t doing his thing on the mic can be skipped, but that’s far and few between.

Repeat Offenders is hoping that with the release of By Example, they can show how it should be done, instead of just talking about it. Using creativity and pride to craft a track instead of glorifying gun toting, womanizing, and drug dealing is clearly absent from the majority of artist nowadays, especially those hoping to move some units. R.O. is here now, and as stated on “Building” featuring Jadox, they’re “coming thru your hood like tanks thru ice sculptures.” You should definitely pick up By Example, and give it some rotations as an alternative to the inundation of bullshit that’s prevalent out there. There’s no doubt, Repeat Offenders has done it again.

STYLE: Repeat Offenders' current sound features various rhythmic and harmonic textures created by piano, stand-up bass, voice and additional sounds that expand on shuffling minimalist grooves. The result is an ambient hip-hop (that an indie rocker could dig) that focuses mainly on community empowerment.

PRO: I was wrong. In the "Super Lyrical" review, I publicly wondered if Repeat Offenders' approach would be sustainable over the course of a CD. I'm happy to report that it is. To be sure, The Repeat Offenders employ many tactics to keep the listener engaged. Of note are the smooth vocal turns by guest singer Trulala on "Smooth Talker" and "The Meaning of Life" and the chorus vocals on "This Life" and "It's Our Time." Major hell yeahs for kicking off the disc with a totally def double bass riff on "Maya" and later on "Smooth Talker" that takes me back to Digable Planets and my own double bass in my music room. And the sitar sample on "Building" is genius! I'd also like to note that the R.Os eschew the violence, mysogyny, money and drug worship commonly found in the lyrics of their million-dollar contemporaries. Double hell yeah!!   

CON: I still can't quite buy some of the synth-generated bass grooves. They sound too DIY and while I can certainly appreciate that, a more discriminating hip-hop listener might be turned off. "Still Here" is a deeply personal open letter but the track is plagued by odd and awkward phrasing and bonified cringe-worthy lines ("Thanks for those ball lessons, they're all I ever got, the only thing you gave me was a decent jump shot") that are an unnecessary sneak peak into a dysfunctional family. With 19 cuts on the disc, it could have easily been saved for the rarities and outtakes disc.

FINAL ASSESSMENT: I don't listen to much hip-hop (maybe this review shows) but maybe it's because I don't hear enough music like this. The Repeat Offenders make a point to rethink hip-hop's overemphasis on the bass end by offering a counterpoint of slight melancholic ambience. Lyrically, the act has grown and I hear rhymthic development in the phrasing as well. "By Example" plays to its strengths -- diverse tones, heartfelt words about hip-hop ("I Believe" will make any aging 7 Seconds fan weepy) and straight-forward, no-nonsense rhyming patterns focused on story-telling -- and by doing so, the disc survives any misfires, which are few. Nice work!         

the critic speaks:**** (out of 5)

I reviewed their “This Is R.O.” EP about a year or so ago and enjoyed its upswing away from stagnant hip-hop. Repeat Offenders continue to break away from the mold of typical mainstream hip-hop by offering a completely refreshing take on production. The lyrics are just as witty and clever with bouncing rhymes that take charge of each song’s direction. Blending intricate samples with rhythmic beats and hard slashing cuts, “By Example” is a favorable suggestion that the best players in hip-hop aren’t found on BET or MTV.

"Even though every track is superb, there is one track that stood out more than the others and that is ‘I Found Her’ by Repeat Offenders, this group showed what they have to offer when it comes to musicianship, songwriting, talent and the vocals on this particular song will melt the heart of any female, a note to all ladies this tune will definitely do what Luther VanDross could do - only with an astounding hip-hop groove. The beat is smooth, clear and definitely done with professionalism. The lyrics are heartfelt and obviously written from the heart. The vocals are sung with deep emotion, which again come from within the deepest part of the heart and soul. Every musician on this track gave their all on this tune. Excellent work RO!"

On the track ‘Still Here’ of Repeat Offenders ‘By Example’ CD, the vocals are done by Thrill (Matthew Kolb). This track from the first microsecond of the vocals and lyrics hit me hard in the deepest parts of the heart and soul of my inner being. The lyrics are strong, coming from the heart, emotions flowing from every part of Thrill’s being. I don’t think I have ever experienced a tune in this way, not only did it touch the core of my inner being, heart and soul, it chilled me to the bone and then left a few tears behind long after the track was over.

It’s so hard for me to believe that this is Thrillmatic's first ever solo effort; and after you hear this track – you will come to the same conclusion. If you have some family issues in your life this is definitely the tune for you. It will show you what a person can do when they take the problems they are facing and turn that problem around and use it for the good. Thrill will share with you the things very close to his heart – listen, hear and feel what Thrill is getting across, it obviously healed him as will anyone else out there.

BOTTOM LINE: Thrills vocal talent may be new at this stage, but it is definitely of the Highest Caliber…..Musicianship that is the ultimate…..Vocals to capture your heart and soul……a message in each lyric that can be identified by someone - somewhere at anytime….Make sure to visit Repeat Offenders Website at: http://www.soundclick.com/repeatoffenders make the best purchase you will ever make this year, purchase the ‘By Example’ CD, infact while you’re there purchase all their cd’s..

(1) This is R.O. (2) Upperclassmen (3) Triple Threat (4) Messages (5) Bounce to This

BACKGROUND: Repeat Offenders are rapper Shawn Jacks, Chris Hammond and Matthew Kolb. The group formed at Millersville University in 1993 and is based in Coatesville, PA.

STYLE: Repeat Offenders say their music will appeal to fans of [dead prez, The Roots, Black Eyed Peas, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, KRS ONE]. I'm hearing a synth-based old-school approach with none of the modern stylistic techniques: sampling, scratching, pitch-shifting, etc.

PRO: It's refreshing to hear straight-up rhyming without all of the modern clatter filling up the space behind it. This has a groove base that gives the MC plenty of space to flex his rhyming muscle. Moreover the bassline isn't blasted to the point of white noise in the mix . . . this is hip-hop. Thank god for that.

CON: This is solid hip-hop. I'm no expert but I'm not sure this spartan approach could be sustained over the course of a full disc. Sounds like it would get tired pretty quick. Track 5 is brief but the rapid clip of the phrasing is hugely impressive as is the instrumentation. A sign of better things to come?

FINAL ASSESSMENT: Maybe my ears are too cluttered to enjoy the sparse instrumentation of this disc as I felt that there could easily have been more sounds to round out the tunes. I guess I'm from the 20 guitars-on-a-song school of recording. Lyrics aren't the most innovative in the world but the delivery is there. Solid.      

the critic speaks:***1/2 (out of 5)

"I dig this hip-hop and rap-crew right here. Four tracks of in your face hip-hop that doesn't rely on the typical swearing to be interesting. Instead these guys keep things to the point, while letting their creative sides flow. Musically these guys could just as easily be topping the charts as their music sounds a lot like what's going on on mainstream hip-hop radio right now. How about Shady Records signing these guys?" (4 out of 6)

"Our pick would definitely be "This ...Is...R.O." where the melancholic drum-beat follows you all the way and the lyrics tell you who R.O. are, a family who has much to give with all the love they radiate. In short, they will tell you the truth and give you great hip-hop."

"Repeat Offenders put out this five-song strong EP with the hopes of filling your veins with their brand of hip-hop. The production especially on “This is R.O.” is smooth, laid-back yet aggressive, and stripped down. It’s refreshing from the bland hip-hop that is funneled through all the mainstream channels. The lyrics are really on point too. Good stuff."

"I must say that
you're an artist that will definitely strike a chord in the hip-hop
community. It's a pleasure to hear hip hop music without the profanity and
senseless
acts of violence depicted throughout the lyrics. It's amazing yet tragic to
see
hip hop progress in the manner of style and versatility but has taken a step
backward when it comes to lyrical content. You, Shawn, capture the true essence
of hip hop, and that is to inform, to teach.

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. IT'S HOT!!!!"