It was "Hip-Hop Hits" this week on The Sing Off, and the theme for the evening was clear from the get-go: Hip-hop is not what we do (unless you're in Urban Method, in which case that's exactly what you do). With just eight groups left, it was a daunting challenge and the repeated mantra of "if we miss just one note, we're done" rang truer than ever. Also, this week saw the introduction of "The Sing Off Battle," a literal sing off to survive between the two lowest ranked groups at the end of the show. Oh, this was also the second week in a row to showcase the hilariously awkward rap stylings of Ben Folds.
It was smooth sailing for both the Dartmouth Aires and Howard University's Afro-Blue. The Ivy Leaguers got off to a somewhat shaky start with Flo Rida's "Club Can't Handle Me," but quickly found their stride; and Shawn offered the Dartmouth boys one of the best possible compliments: "I'd hang out with you guys at a party." With their choice, The Fugees' classic, "Killing Me Softly," Afro-Blue paid tribute to fellow Howard alum, Roberta Flack, who recorded the original, "Killing Me Softly With His Song" – and the group made the song their own, eliciting an enthusiastic "flawless" from Sara.
It was Nashville's The Collective and the pristine Mormon boys of Vocal Point who found themselves facing a possible spot in final battle. Despite being one of the judges' favorites, The Collective drew criticism for their rendition of Pitbull's recent smash, "Give Me Everything," with Ben noting they "still have to overcome the science of being an a cappella group." In the night's most moving performance, Vocal Point took on Puff Daddy's paean to the Notorious B.I.G., "I'll Be Missing You," led by Ben Murphy, who returned to the group last week after losing his father to leukemia. Though their heartstrings were effectively pulled, the judges did point out a few pitch issues, but chalked them up to the emotional weight of the piece. In the end, the judges decided The Collective were heading to the battle.
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