Ever wonder what happened to that hip-hop of old--dope beats and raw lyrics without the gimmicks? Self Scientific have the answer, and they're more than willing to share it on this debut album. L.A. natives DJ Khalil and Chace Infinite use a stunning blend of lyrical agility and powerful production to give the listener a musical treat that more than stands out from the current pack. Pattering snares and ethereal keyboards are the backdrop for "Anguish," a track that illuminates life's everyday struggles, and underground sensations Planet Asia and Krondon add their voices to the piano-laden "Three Kings." Multiple samples enhance the bass-heavy snares on "Duality," one of the album's greatest achievements: the cut eloquently examines the struggle to maintain a balance between the positive and negative elements of life. Self Scientific are the sound of hip-hop's future, and you can hear it before the rest of the world catches up. --Kenji Jasper
