Sound: Mostly vintage hip hop production (turntablism, breakbeats, smooth jazz basslines) with modern, harder edges thrown in occasionally (spacey electronic synths) and some impressive blends of Latin and reggae flavors
Lyrics: Socially conscious, clever and insightful with Black music history and older pop cultural references and an anti-gangsta mentality
Look for: His bleak critique of Brooklyn’s public school system on “Brooklyn Public, Pt. 1”
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Brooklyn Public, Pt. 1“; “Whoever“; “Fire Water“
Medium Rotation tracks: “Listening” (featuring Kola Rock); “Weather the Storm“
Recommended: His educated and effortless flow makes him one of the best in the hip hop underground and the retro-minded production has enough new and unexpected twists to avoid a throwback/novelty stigma. There are several standout tracks, but a couple weak spots, too.
Grade: B+

(As posted 9/26/05 on davepowersmusic.com)
Buy CD/Listen to Tracks