Reviewed by Dustin Helgeson

Today, it’s not simply enough to put out a hip-hop record full of ill rhymes. It’s the production on these records that will either make it a hit, or a belly flop. This effort from Soul Plazma shows some real skills when it comes to both production and rhymes. MG! The Visionary is just one MC who adds depth of production. What is great about this record is that you don’t get tired of the usually ceaseless and tiring lyrical push found on most rap and hip-hop records. “Simply Soul” takes a laid back approach, but knows when to come out kicking. “Perfect Picture” is a great, smooth flowing song with scratching and interesting instrumentation behind a simple backbeat. Let me not forget Soul Plasma’s ability to spit the rhymes in style. The content is never lacking and doesn’t give in to contrived or simple clichés. The choruses on this release inspire and lift something in your soul. Often though, the light backdrop will be in contradiction to the heavy and serious lyrical content. In places, the fluffy background is left behind to highlight the abilities of the rap artists. Whenever the album does this, I lose a bit of interest. That aside, this is a fine hip-hop album bringing in the chill as well as seriously phat and heavy rhymes.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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