Cover art: Kai D Tancredi

So, let me get one thing across to you right now. If you are a true hip-hop head, you need this album.There’s no question about it. This, fellow followers of the Dharma, is a set-in-stone hip-hop classic. Hands down the best work I’ve come across in years.

Today, I mowed my lawn to this. Then, I studied to this. And –as you’re reading this– know that it was bumping in the background while I was writing this. And, before I fall asleep tonight, it’s going on my iPod. End of story.
Let me tell you why:

C. Gats (birthname: Cedeno Gatlin) is so far from your typical rapper. As he is a personal friend of mine, I can tell you that a lot of his concept work is inspired by his love for film. He often delves into a heavily lyrical, concept-heavy groove, but this drop is much different. The production is excellent. Hard to come by in an unsigned, relatively unknown underground artist. The storytelling keeps you engaged with twisting plot lines and the lyricism is top-notch. The pure effort that went into this drop really shines through. The complexity of the metaphors he spits really give you a true understanding of just how much thought went into it — and goosebumps simultaneously. Peppered with some truly dope features, the appearance list includes the other two members of one of his rap crews So.Au.Ink (with Eville and aGG) and also an artist I’ve covered on here before, Charlie.Rose. I’ve always been a fan of his work, as he is a fan of mine. However, I’m going to tell you straight up from the most subjective viewpoint — this is an instant classic that every hip-hop head should own. I mean, he pulled off spitting over one of the most ran-through beats in hip-hop and — not only pulled it off — made it sound brand new.

But enough of me raving. Just listen: