3582
The Living Soul
Hum Drums/Groove Attack
For hip-hoppers who consider suicide when Blackalicious isn’t enuff, here comes 3582’s The Living Soul. Fat Jon (35) and J. Rawls (82) take time away from their respective 5 Deez and Lone Catalysts to deliver a soulful hip-hop gem that picks up the torch that was dropped when Tribe broke up.
This is that acid jazz sound that was so full of promise way back in ‘95. Though the sound quickly deteriorated into milquetoast fusion, it hasn’t completely died. And, The Living Soul will remind you why people were so excited in the first place. Hip-hop beats with a Roy Ayers slickness to it, this album delivers the perfect groove. J. Rawls and Fat Jon both have a lazy delivery to their metaphysical rhymes that fits perfectly with this smoked-out chill set. On the “positive tip,” pimps and hos are ignored for the Afro-hippy, Black Panther sound of “2nd Person.” “Yesterday” should also receive some serious college radio airplay.
A suave, sophisticated sound fills this release, which is definitely one of the most exciting independent releases since Blackalicious’ Nia.
J. Rawls: http://www.lonecatalysts.com • Fat Jon: http://www.fivedeez.com • Hum Drums: http://www.humdrums.de • Groove Attack: http://www.grooveattack.com
