eMC- The Show

By: R.M. London

Released: ((3.25.2008))

After originally coming together as a group in 2001, while touring on the same stages for Masta Ace's Disposable Arts Tour, hip hop's new supergroup eMC (Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth, and Strick) have released their 2008 debut album "The Show"-- a classic Masta Ace conceptual concoction of skits and songs constructed to tell an on going story about the group on the road to do a live show. While the foursome has collaborated with one another on numerous occasions, this is the first time all four have been captured on an entire album. With years of experience on each of their belt each MC sheds an original light on every track and compliment one another as if they had been a group since hip hop's humble beginnings. From the Juice Crew to the Lyricist Lounge, from New York to Milwaukee-- eMC wants to prove that they are the supergroup everyone has been waiting for since the rise of the Wu-Tang Clan and Boot Camp Click.

Providing the backdrop is an all-star cast of rising producers; Nicolay, Frequency, Marco Polo, Quincy Tones, and others drench the record with smooth compositions, thumping drums, and infectious samples. The first portion of the record is packed full of laid back moods and sounds as eMC introduces themselves on "Who We Be," continue their braggadocio on "Leak it Out," take a ride with Masta Ace and Little Brother on "Traffic," and look at the current state of hip hop through the lyrics of "Say Now." Along with the addicting and sugary "Don't Give Up On Us," the four brothers choose to show us their fluid song construction abilities and polished hook/chorus talents before things begin to get heavier.

As "Git Sum" flies through your ears in stereo eMC switches up their styles and foundations and up the crotch-grabbing New York swagger that hip hop heads love with the help from BCC's own, Sean Price. The drums continue to smash with the Nicolay stamped "EMC (What it Stands For)," the d-tuned guitar accompanied "The Grudge," and the funkdafied "The Show." Despite the constant changes of pace throughout the album, Ace and company keep your mind focused and attentive to the record by telling a story through entertaining and well acted skits.

Versatile yet focused The Show has its twists and turns like any good story, and proves once again that Masta Ace is without a doubt one of the best storytellers hip hop has ever seen. Another impressive aspect of the record is how four different personalities came together to make a heap of cohesive bangers. Not one MC outshined another on any track, which in turn made for an easier story to follow and allowed the listener to enjoy each character, and each transition of personality. As the story continues to unfold the group rap about everything from relationships, cruising in whips, the record industry, their mothers, to their pre-show/post-show activities. Some listeners might find some of the song concepts boring and off kiltered, but anyone open to more style beyond the world of coke, mafia, or glammer rap will enjoy the record from intro to outro.

Since the birth of hip hop there have been many "supergroups" that have put their heart and soul on wax with friends and fellow artists, but seem to always miss a few steps that make their albums stand out from the rest. eMC, equipped with years of experience from various spectrums of the industry, rarely miss a step on their debut album and will immediately wake 2008 up from its slumber as we glide into April.

With an album that is entertaining, innovative, and crisp from start to finish this is one of THE can't miss records of March and in 2008 thus far. Let's hope there is another eMC "show" in the future. I'll be in line for my ticket.

Favorite Tracks: Traffic, Git Sum, Who We Be
What to do (Buy/Try/Frisbee): A Must Buy.
Digits: 8.7 // 10