Blu & CookBook

Yes

BY Kevin JonesPublished Dec 17, 2013

6
Blu has never been one to go very long without a new record on deck, at times turning out one collaborative effort just as folks catch wind of a release date and new single for another. While he's still best known for his wordplay, Blu's increasingly dependable beatcraft has played a growing role in helping him keep that pace over the years. On the Yes EP, the tireless rapper/producer puts his musical handiwork out in front once again, this time behind fellow LA rapper CookBook.

The longtime L.A. Symphony crew member weaves his lively flow and classic, "I live hip hop"-fashioned lyrical themes into a bustling, eight-track skills session over Blu's mid-to-high tempo soul beats and characteristic film snippets. The productions are pretty solid despite a number of cuts suffering from the same disregard for a clean final mix that's been a running knock against Blu's output for a while now.

Still, Yes offers up a tight little throwback vibe and, while it's not the most moving piece of business, with its 25-minute running time, the record makes for a decent in-the-meantime listen on your way to your next bigger, brighter experience.
(Just-Us)

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