Mountain Brothers - Self: Volume 1 (1999)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hip-Hop
Label Number: MBPS1
.FLAC via Florenfile
.AAC 256 kbps via Florenfile

© 1999 Pimpstrut Records
AllMusic Review by Matt Conaway

The 3-man tag-team triumvirate of Chops, Peril-L, and Styles gained national notoriety after winning Sprite's "Rhymes From The Mind" contest back in 1996. The buzz from that contest lead to their subsequent signing with Ruffhouse and stellar singles "Paperchase," and "5 Elements." After promptly getting the run around from Ruffhouse they decided to go for self (no pun intended) and continued to diligently pursue their dreams. Reppin illadelph to the fullest they're jazzy, laid back live instrumentation sound will undoubtedly be compared to the Roots sound. However, they should not be labeled as they come extra original, carving out their own unique place in the city of brotherly love.

In a classic example of less is more, Chops cleverly weaves synthesizers, horns, and tingling plush keyboard melodies, bringing the producer back to the forefront. Samples are non-existent as they stretch musical boundaries, bringing the antidote for those of us who have had it up to here with today's stagnant hip-hop atmosphere. Musically this trio is all about bringing the glory days of hip-hop full circle, as they reach out to the purist of B-Boys & Girls of the world. One of their most appealing features is they bring lyrics that are easy to identify with. In a refreshing change of pace they realize that not everyone is driving around in flashy whips, or flossing tailor-made iced-out jewelry. Firmly entrenched in reality, they spend a great deal of time discussing the daily grind all of us are subject too. From hating our day jobs, to trying to find our place as individuals in a world so pre-occupied with the almighty Benjamin. With definite crowd pleasers like "Paperchase," "Things To Do," "Whiplash" and the futuristic intergalactic flavor of "Galaxies: The Next Level," the MBs bring forth enough stellar material to make anyone a believer.

The MBs refuse to let this industry push them to the back and their career is definitely on the rise. If you have been sleeping its time to wake up, because the MBs have indeed arrived.

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tags: mountain brothers, self volume 1, vol 1, 1999, flac,