The Class Of ’84 by The Master Brothers: A Raw, Nostalgic Banger That Feels Like Home
Man, let me tell ya—this album slaps. Released in 2020 outta Finland, The Class Of ’84 is one of those projects that just grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. It’s straight-up hip hop with a vibe so gritty it feels like you’re walking through Helsinki streets at midnight, headphones on, lost in your own world. Self-released under their own label (props to The Master Brothers for keeping it indie), this thing hits different. And shoutout to Cutmaster Jay—he engineered, recorded, mixed all of it. Dude deserves a medal or something.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that stuck with me hard. First up, “Headbanger.” Oh my gosh, this joint feels like adrenaline pumped into your veins. From the first beat drop, you know you’re in for a ride. It’s got this raw energy—you can practically hear the sweat dripping off the mic. The lyrics are sharp, punchy, and unapologetic, like they’re daring you to keep up. By the time the hook kicks in, you’re already nodding your head like crazy. Honestly, if this song doesn’t make you wanna throw your fists in the air, check your pulse. Something’s wrong.
Then there’s “Rock Steady (To My Funky Beat).” This track? Pure magic. It’s smoother than butter but still packs enough punch to knock you sideways. There’s something hypnotic about the rhythm—it pulls you in deep, like you’re floating while staying grounded at the same time. The flow here is insane; every word lands perfectly, like they were crafted just for you. You can tell these guys aren’t faking it—they live and breathe this stuff. Listening to this track feels like finding an old mixtape from back in the day, dusty but golden.
What really gets me though is how personal this whole project feels. Like, yeah, it’s hip hop, but it’s not trying too hard to impress anyone. It’s just real. Real people making real music because they love it. Plus, props to The Family Guys for producing this beast—it’s clear everyone involved poured their heart into it.
Here’s the kicker though: as much as I dig this album, part of me wishes I could’ve been in the studio when they made it. Imagine hearing “Freak Comes Out Of Night” blasting through the speakers for the first time, watching Cutmaster Jay work his magic behind the boards. Or maybe sharing a laugh over some random mistake during recording. Those little moments—that’s where the magic happens, right?
So yeah, The Class Of ’84 isn’t perfect, but who cares? Perfection’s boring anyway. What matters is the connection, and this album connects. Hard. If you haven’t heard it yet, do yourself a favor and press play. Just don’t blame me when you can’t stop looping it.
