:: Bomb Hip-Hop Records
Truly proving that the hip-hop elements have been spread to the wind and taken root wherever there is fertile soil; the Australian crew of Metabass ‘N’ Breath is set to open eyes and ears with what may be hip-hop's first ENTIRE album of +just+ beatboxing.
BizMarkie, Doug E. Fresh will no doubt smile upon these jam sessions - even Michael Winslow would want a piece of this. Make no mistake though; this will probably not be that popular with hip-hop heads. Sure every old school fan out there loves BizMarkie's "Make the Music With Your Mouth" but today's DMX and Lil' Wayne audience will not dig the world beat feel of a lot of these jams; some of which have a uniquely Australian aboriginal vibe. The likes of this kind of experimental fusion hasn't been heard since Saul Williams' "Ohm" on the Lyricist Lounge.
Lyrically there isn't much help in expanding into MC territory but the inclusion of DJ’s Faust, Shortee, and Vin Roc on tracks may help with the turntablism crowd. This album though stands alone as a testament to hip-hop’s lost fifth element and those open-minded enough to appreciate it. Maybe if Pete Rock provided a musical score a la Rahzel's "All I Know" more heads might tune in, but as yet another in the eclectic line of Bomb Hip-Hop's releases, it's a sure shot.
These Reading, PA MC's are obviously having an identity crisis. To say that you're dropping "Classic Material" when none of the tracks except "Money Mike for President" register above a five on the one to ten energy meter for music and the rappers sound quite frankly BORED throughout, a career change may be in order. When you're coming from a state who's caliber level includes The Roots and the Mountain Brothers, you've got to step it up to truly be called "Classic".
Music Vibes: 6 of 10 Beatbox Vibes: 7 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 6.5 of 10
Originally posted: February 27, 2000
source: www.OHHLA.com