Asamov

Jacksonville, FL has way more to offer than just a good retirement scene and early bird specials, and Asamov are here to prove it. Straight out of the tip calculator capital comes a crew who are mathematically putting it down. Asamov consists of MC/producers Therapy (who is also the tour DJ for Mr. Lif and the Perceptionists), Willie Evans Jr., Basic and J-Wonda. The sound of this album is innovative and interesting yet still grimy, with soul-based samples over intricate looped beats and piano breaks. Most crews have the emcees, the DJs and the producers, whereas Asamov consists of members who can all flip back and forth between roles. It’s apparent that these cats grew up in the golden age of hip-hop, not only in their rhymes but also in their flow. Lyrically this album is about anything and everything. There is no gun talk or braggadocio behaviour going on, just dope wordplay with backup production to match. Tracks to look out for are the Mr. Lif cut "Supa Dynamite,” "Help Me Sing” and "Standing Room Only” featuring J-Live, Wordsworth and Cassidy. Also check guest appearances by Akrobatik and Little Brother’s 9th Wonder. Fans of J5, the Roots and Common will dig this album; it’s pure hip-hop goodness from beginning to end. These dudes aren’t joking around, and from now on Jacksonville, FL will be known for way more than the 69 Boyz and Quad City DJs.