The latest LP from Long Beach’s finest Hip Hop trio sees them moving back to a much more raw, basic sound: 2 MCs and a DJ and that’s it (well that and a couple of backing vocals).

In these modern hip hop years where production is king (Neptunes, Kanye West, et al) this is a refreshingly retrograde move, but does have a tendency to sound a bit “thin” when listening to a whole LP’s worth.

Yes this is Funky Hip Hop, without the need for guns, bitches and being overly friendly with one’s mother; but with humour, flow, energy & old school funk. Track after track is laid down with aplomb, with great complimentary rapping from Andy and Dizzie and some great support work from DJ Young Enstein – who’s part in the process is quite understated for a DJ with oodles of talent (even on their own “Einstein’s on Stage” props piece)..

I say this as I saw them at The Jazz Cafe, promoting this very LP and boy did they rock the sureshot and it was only on the back of that performance that made me reconsider this LP, as the need for UD to get back to their production roots has somewhat flattened their sound and impact.

Is it worth getting? I think so, (you can get a taster of it when the first single “Yudee” comes out in a couple of weeks) but I can’t help feeling that the LP could’ve been so much more with the benefit of a bit of bling production. However, if you want a fun night of full on funky hip hop flavas with one great dj and two excellent mcs then do see them live; you will not be dissappointed.

Marky

a.k.a Mach V (SoxaN)

“Bang for the Buck” by Ugly Duckling is out now on All City Music

Tags: bitches, couple, friendly, funky, great, overly, production, sound, track, worth

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