Microphone Check: Raw sounds from underground hip-hop

Tina Jamias

Showcasing the talent of underground hip-hop artists, Rawkus Records has released its second installment of Soundbombing. This mixed-tape style CD was put together by DJs Babu and J-Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies in 1999.

It’s been over a year since the release, but Soundbombing II still gives me that genuine feeling that only underground hip-hop music can bring. Mindful lyrics, creative beats, and undeniable talent, are all found in this collection of Rawkus entertainment..

Evident throughout the tracks is the originality of each artist or group. Company Flow’s political stance in “Patriotism” brings a powerful message of the fallen American dream. Bahamadia’s stance on life as an underground hip-hop pioneer in “Chaos” definitely shows off her lyrical skills that she modestly delivers with strong words..

In “B-Boy Document 99” Mos Def shares his observations of the hip-hop world and expresses independence. In a separate track, he also breaks out an alphabetical freestyle flow with beats provided by the Beat Junkies..

Dilated Peoples upholds the album’s title in “Soundbombing” with clever verses such as “Sounds from tones and licks from Quincy Jones/ back drop my microphone so I can chop down clones.”.

Babu and J-Rocc are distinctly cutting up the turntables with innovative DJ expertise. Carefully mixed with smooth transitions, these DJs provide all the right beats and lyrics to keep the hardcore hip-hop heads in tune..

Soundbombing Vol.3 was suppose to be released this past summer, but a release date has yet been set. Nevertheless, Rawkus Records promises a worthy third volume, sure to keep its distinct raw sound brought on by Hot 97 DJ and Big Dawg Pitbull mixer Cipha Sounds..

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