Fraction & Fresh Kils

Backburner producer Fresh Kils continues his conquest of Canadian hip-hop, this time teaming with Kitchener, ON triple-threat Fraction, who raps on every song, provides all the cuts and even receives a co-production credit on a few of the album's mellow, piano-heavy throwback beats. Considering his rap moniker, the album cover and title, and the name of his production company (Math Music), Extra Science is surprisingly lacking in math or science subject matter, although he does say of their collaboration: "Kils and Fraction, mathematic length drop strength" on "This Is My Life." That song, along with "Extra Science," "Like This" and "All For The Unseen," preaches "knowledge of self" over "something you never even seen in a dream." Perhaps that counts as science, but there's more to Extra Science than just that. On "Enemies Close," he finds inspiration in an old adage for a righteous battle rap that aptly demonstrates his intelligent, esoteric writing. Posse cut "Hold On" has Fraction, Justis and Mantis contemplating aging and maturing, while "That's A Rap" has Fraction and Mister E paying homage to the old school masters, although it really deserves a verse from Rakim. The highlight is "Another One Forgotten," the dark, foreboding beat setting the scene for intersecting stories of two teens on a downward trajectory. It's a well-written tale that's simply told and carries resonance. It's also less preachy than his "knowledge of self" stuff and will hopefully be something we'll see more of on future releases.