Thirsty Fish- Testing the Waters

By: R.M. London

((2.12.2008))

This quad-collection of Project Blowed seeds (DJ Far Wes, Psychosiz, Open Mike Eagle, and Dumbfoundead) come swimming out of the 1st quarter gate with an eager freestyle stroke. "Testing the Waters" is a light, quirky, and fun fish-themed LP that highlights three extremely different microphone personalities on one record. Full of playful poetic twists, obscure comic book references, and "fishy" metaphors the group pulls off a perfect soundtrack for a Sunday skate or for a hip-hop head getting ready for school, but there are a few things missing that will keep this album from being in constant rotation.

While the foundation is loose, fun, and made to move heads front and back the overbearing "fish, water, and thirst" themed lyrics get played out fast on an otherwise clever gimmick. While the three left coast 'Blowedians' feed off eachother well on most of the cuts there seems to be some sort of chemical missing that causes the water in the album's tank to get dirty fast.

The Thirsty Fish will win the hearts of L.A. fans with stellar guest spots from Aceyalone and Abstract Rude, but it is the non-local Cali market that might not be too open to the all the quirkiness gone awry. The record does have its hot-spots like the songs: High Tide, River Styx, and Pirahnas, a dope verse from lady linguist Rogue Venom (Swim Team) on Pirahnas, the overall presence and sound of Thirsty Fish MC, Open Mike Eagle, and the versatile beats from the production team.

Definitely worth a spin, but the combination of Dumbfoundead's voice and overall team chemistry will have you leaving the pond without a bite.

Favorite Tracks: High Tide, River Styx, and Pirahnas
What to do (Buy/Try/Frisbee):
Try. But, hold off and wait to hear for more Open Mike Eagle, Rogue Venom, and cuts from that Production team (Maestro, Open Mike E, Elum, Mike Gao, etc.)
Digits: 6.0 // 10