Supa Koopa and Outkome- Almost Nameless
By: R.M. London
((3.4.2008))
Right down the street from Rhymehouse headquarters in Ventura County, California is the largest city in the county's metro area-- Oxnard. The strawberry and lima bean capital is also home of one of the most celebrated independent hip hop labels around-- Stones Throw Records. However, outside of the label, that houses huge indie names, such as: Madlib, Oh No, Guilty Simpson, and Peanut Butter Wolf, not much is known about the hip hop scene that is hidden within the city. Meet Outkome and Supa Koopa. Outkome, a heavy set mic honcho representing the Leadersik Crew, pounds production with a hard hitting methodical tongue and a straight forward flow that snatches ears with ease, teams up with Supa Koopa, a soulfully odd San Diegoan beatsmith that boasts various quirky sounds and smooth samples. Together, this Californian concoction makes a name for themselves with their new record, Almost Nameless, a smooth ride full of neck twisting beats and catchy cerebral cuts.
The first thing I immediately liked about this record was Outkome's delivery and flow. Following in the same simple footsteps as Masta Ace, Krs-One, and various other golden year MCs, Outkome's delivery is brash yet breezy making his stories, emotions, and wordplay easy to follow and connect with. Avoiding the abstract multi-syllabalic rhyme disease that has infected the independent scene over the years, Outkome's flow stands out strong over all of Koopa's weapons and makes the listener more involved with the lyrics and eager to rewind and play again. From the intro track to finale Supa Koopa flashes his ability to make emotional tracks with glimmering soul ("Lifestyle," "I Close My Eyes," and, "Brains Over Streets") and funky head nodders ("Nameless" and "Brains Over Beats"), while Outkome proves he can be solid over whatever sound foundation is thrown his way.
As the album moved on I noticed how Koopa and Outkome's sound truly embody what you see outside your window when driving through Oxnard and the surrounding areas. Madlib and Stones Throw paint a vivid picture, but if you wanted a new soundtrack to the 'Nard-- this is it. With songs like "I Close My Eyes," "Brains Over Streets," and "Almost" the duo switch from sultry stories to bumpy bragadoccio. The record in itself is a short ten track introduction to the Califa-team, but it turned out to be a perfect length for fans to hear Outkome who's voice might get monotonous after awhile.
In the end "Almost Nameless" will satisfy numerous hip hop heads despite Outkome's voice/flow being an acquired taste. The duo prove that they can come at your ears at all angles and leave you satisfied. Although I would of loved to hear more upbeat tracks from Outkome and Koopa, where, in my opinion, they sound their best and shine, but overall the record was a pleasant and surprising listen to my 2008 list. It's good to know Oxnard has other original artists to offer-- we'll be looking out for more from these two.
Favorite Tracks: Fame, Brains over Beats
What to do (Buy/Try/Frisbee): Buy if you like Cool Calm Pete and the like.
Digits:7.0 // 10
