Gorilla Warfare Tactics - Premier

New music is off the table for the time being, since I don't have the internet to download anything nor the money to buy it. However, just because it's not new doesn't mean you've heard it before. I last posted with regard to a new folk/experimental album, so it's time for a monstrous shift in genre.

If you're new to the world of underground hip hop, the term "underground" basically means that said group has not been signed by a prominent record label, so their music is much harder to find and doesn't get played on the radio. But that doesn't mean they are inferior – groups choose to stay independent for a number of reasons, including maintaining control over their own music. Occasionally a group will make its way onto a popular music blog or forum and make a name for itself. Some underground groups have even made their way onto the charts. My focus today is a group that has only released one album, but that album has made a big splash in the hip hop world.

Gorilla Warfare Tactics are a classic hip hop group, made up of two rappers and a producer. Their lyricism is simply unmatched by almost anyone in the rap game – the lead rapper, Dilla, has story-telling abilities that could be compared to those of Bob Dylan. The producing is smooth, with jazz and blues samples that don't feel even a little bit out of place. The three of them work together seamlessly to produce quality hip hop that is sophisticated, deep, and easy to listen to.

Premier is the only full mixtape they have released so far (to my knowledge), and I would strongly suggest downloading it as soon as you can. Every song stands alone, but highlights include The Tale of Mr. Street, RewindRhyme, and Temptations. If "sex, drugs, and money" rap has repelled you from hip hop, give this a shot. It may restore your faith in the genre.