the LA UNDERGROUND / Catch Me If You Can Magazine

Face Candy- This is Where We Were

One of hip-hop’s first and only true live improvisational albums, This is Where We Were walks the line between hip-hop and jazz. Recorded entirely in front of live audiences, and with musicians serving as the rhythm instead of a DJ, this is a new music, a new way of thinking about hip-hop, about jazz, about freestyle, about performance. Freestyle legend EYEDEA acts as the anchor and frontman that holds the record together. The true magic of the record is born out of a certain conversation between the rappers and the musicians, a conversation that is unpredictable and unrehearsed, one that has never taken place before, and could never take place the same way again. Among the most progressive and revolutionary of ideas, it seems almost an obvious progression, one that would naturally be born out of freestyle, out of spoken word and beat poetry. But this is the first, an experience, a record that will change the way that you think about improvisation.

-the Baron

Glue-Catch as Catch Can

Catch As Catch Can is hip-hop at its purest, a perfect fusion between the current underground trends and the origins of a culture that is as relevant today as ever. This is not the synthetic club hits that barely resemble what the pioneers of a new genre, but more importantly, a new way of thinking about music, intended. This is real hip-hop, you remember, breaks, scratching, innovative lyrics that can be either rapid fire and cynical, or honest and conceptual, but always real, always raw, always delivered with a style and flare that sets one emcee apart from the flock of clones that feel the need to talk about how good they are. Adeem does not need to tell us how good he is. He shows us. From concept to delivery, this is a lesson from an underground lesson, from the only man who has ever won the infamous Scribble Jam battle twice. The record starts as a true throwback, an homage to Public Enemy and Big Daddy Kane, a fast paced assault with an attitude. As the record progresses, it moves in another deeper direction. In theme, tone, and concept, it becomes a deeper message, filled more with probing questions than with angst and bravado. In addition to the album, the CD comes with a video of live performances and web links, and a free instrumental version of the record, making not only a great sophomore project, but also a great value. As their first record with national distribution lifts them above many of their contemporaries, as they continue to grow and make music, I think that we will be hearing a lot about Maker, djdq, and Adeem.

-the Baron

Chief Kamachi- Concrete Gospel

The city that brought us such greats as Schooly D, Tuff Crew, and MC Breeze, has another reputable MC, who is storming through the underground scene. Of course, I am writing about Phillies’ own and Army of Pharaohs member, Chief Kamachi. Kamachi’s latest album, Concrete Gospel, is filled with raw and intense lyrics, seething with anger, which deals primarily with Phillies’ urban life. However, he does touch upon other topics as well, such as his love for Hip-Hop and his distaste of the “intruders,” which I interpret as any MC, media, or anyone, who misinterprets the culture, on the track “Love 4 the Craft.” He also touches upon pride, hope, and the need for young black youths to strive for success, regardless of obstacles. Kamachi’s lyrics, deep and course, are accentuated by a pounding drum bass provided by that extraordinary production team of E. Dan and DJ Huggy. Everything from pipe organs, trumpets, to orchestral sounds of the violin are sampled and looped to compliment the lyrics and emphasize the mood. If you are into hardcore Hip-Hop, this CD is for you. It made me a fan.

- Rooster-Eyes

Lord Jamar- The 5% Album

If we ranked music on a scale of one to five, I’d give Lord Jamar’s The 5% Album a six. This album is insightful, masterful, and powerful. Listeners can feel his passion; thus, knowing that he poured his heart and soul into this masterpiece. The subject matter of The 5% Album deals with the social woes of inner city life, his disgust with mainstream artists, who don’t have “shit to say,” and of course, the faith and history of the 5 Percenters, the NGE. As a bonus, this album is accompanied by a 90 page book, which gives a biographical account of the 5 Percenters and their founding father, Father Allah. Therefore, it is a powerful tool for newcomers, who are not familiar with Lord Jamar, Brand Nubians, and/or the 5 Percenters. Anyone, who embraces the Hip-Hop culture, will agree that this album will be considered a classic and should be aired on the radio. The 5% Album is truly a “Crowning Jewel.”

- Rooster-Eyes

Mr. Lif- Mo’ Mega

Boston based Mr. Lif drops the highly anticipated follow-up to I Phantom, the first in a string of top drawer releases from Definitive Jux. If this record can be used to gauge what Jux has in for us over the next several months, hold on… we’re in for a ride. As political and poignant as ever, Mo’ Mega serves as a perfect blend of content and delivery. He rides perfectly atop beats ranging from the signature El-P sound, hard drums and heavy distorted synth lines, to a dancehall influenced tracks that are infectious enough to have even the least rhythm blessed kids dancing. With guest spots by fellow Jukies like Murs, Aesop Rock, and El-P adding to the dark and powerful verses that Lif spits, the album continues to unlock its secrets many listens later. Dark and full of political and social commentary, this record is as intelligent as it is entertaining.

-the Baron

P.O.S.- Audition

I first saw P.O.S. as the opening act on an Atmosphere tour, alone on the stage, holding the attention of the audience. I remember being really impressed with his presence, his willingness to be exposed- no hype man, no DJ, just a man with a mic and an iPod. In listening to Audition, I was immediately impressed with how seamlessly styles and genres wove together to create something bigger, more substantial than a CD. This album is as much punk rock as it is hip-hop. With a dirty, distorted, DIY sound that unapologetically deconstructs the idea of a hip-hop record, and rebuilds it, rubbing through the sheen and glamour, the ego and the pretense, to create an honest machine, one where the mechanical underbelly and rusty gears that give it movement are as important as the façade. A prime example of what a hip-hop record should be- loud, in your face, innovative- Audition is a record not to be slept on.

- the Baron

Sadat X-Black October

Sadat X’s new album is appropriately titled Black October, since this is the month he will be incarcerated on a weapons charge. I won’t go into the circumstances because X mentions tid-bits throughout this album and goes into detail about the situation on his title track, “Black October,” and on the “outro.” Regardless, X does not succumb to the pressures and stress of a “looming incarceration” date. Instead, he releases what fans expect, another smash album and what I feel is his best solo work to date. It is not surprising, due to Sadat’s faith and despite his recent misfortune, that Black October is a positive album. Throughout this album the reoccurring theme of embracing life and ones freedom is heard. A summer anthem titled “Throw Tha Ball” is an example of this, with emphasis on teaching the youth and being thankful for a day without violence. I even love the fun track, “My Mind,” featuring and produced by Greg Nice, which is about mans love for women and temptation. The production credits are too numerous to list with an all-star cast ranging from da Beatminerz, Diamond D to Ayattolah. Do not sleep on the hidden track and be on the look out for Sadat’s next project, The Healing Process, due out next summer.

- Rooster-Eyes

Mr. SOS-The Pre-Op EP

Whether weaving intricate conceptual stories, spitting existential fragments, or verbally beating MCs, Atlanta based Mr. SOS grabs the mic and redefines hip-hop with a passion that has all but been forgotten. This former CunninLynguist hits hard with his solo debut, establishing himself as one of hip-hop's most underrated talents. He takes aim and fires at damn near everything, from our incompetent political leaders to the crip walking sissies that have infested the underground rap scene. This is no ordinary debut. This is the work of a veteran. Hardly an EP, this hour-long, 16-track project features rock solid production by heavy hitters like Kno, Deacon the Villain, and Tonedeff. Heavily influenced by Dirty South icons like the Dungeon Family, the final ingredient of this record is a guest spot by the Dungeon Family's own Witchdoctor, who has been featured on numerous OutKast and Goodie Mob classics. If The Pre-Op EP is any indication of what is still to come, Mr. SOS is destined for greatness.

-The Baron

X Clan-Return From Mecca

What a year for Hip-Hop with releases by Paris and Public Enemy, Lord Jamar, Sadat X, CL Smooth and soon to come, the crème de la crème, X Clan’s Return From Mecca. Nearly 15 years since their sophomore release Exodus and 10 years since Brother J’s overlooked and underappreciated Dark Sun Riders album, Seeds of Evolution, they are back...Sissieee! X Clan’s subject matter hasn’t changed, furthering the cause of the “Blackwatch Movement,” by focusing on issues of upliftment, freedom, and justice. Bro J fires away at these issues with eye-opening veracious lyrics in a tone that resonates through your very soul. I hate to single out any track on this stellar album, but “Prison,” a track about enslavement, is a prime example. A modern beat coincides with the past. Throw in a jazzy bluesy tune of the trumphet and you are taken back--way back to the beginning. Yes, the lyrics make the song, but the instrumentals almost tells a story of their own. Just listen. You nearly feel the anguish of a people crying out, and through the voice of a single man, he puts these emotions to motion in his words. Could this be his message? This story’s been told so many times before. People, isn’t it time to close this door. You tell me. “Justice isn’t blind, man is.” (Brother J, Seeds of Evolution)

- Kenneth Ashley

Tats Cru-The Mural Kings DVD

Witness the evolution of one of the worlds top graffiti crews, "the world famous TATS CRU," who have been instrumental in exposing this art form for nearly three decades. Mark Kotlinski pays tribute to these members with 70 minutes of rare archival footage, never before seen photographs, memorial productions, and more importantly. a historical account of these influential graffiti icons. Take a visual journey and watch the crowning of TATS CRU, The Mural Kings.