Phat Kat

Despite his penchant for numerous collaborations, a vast discography and tireless work ethic, the late Jay Dilla was always identified with the city of Detroit, as this latest effort from long-time friend Phat Kat attests. Dilla and Phat Kat formed the group 1st Down back in ’95, before Dilla’s production acumen had garnered him widespread attention, and their bond endures after his death — five of Carte Blanche’s tracks he produced. However, as with many Detroit hip-hop releases, Dilla’s sound and influence permeate the entire album, which suits veteran Phat Kat fine. Known for his ruggedly indignant voice, Phat Kat’s (aka Ronnie Cash) blunt demeanour is also complemented by the appearances of Detroit’s finest, in producers Black Milk and Young RJ, as well as MCs like Slum Village’s Elzhi, who turns in another breathtaking appearance on "Cold Steel.” While he may initially come off as brash, Phat Kat’s "school of hard knocks” approach scores on the sage "Survival Kit,” the searing "My Old Label” and even mellow standout "Lovely,” a joint similar in vibe and style to Slum Village’s "Selfish.” Everything comes full circle on "True Story Pt. 2.” When Phat Kat vividly describes pivotal moments in Detroit hip-hop history over the ever-improving Young RJ’s beguiling beat, you sense beyond Detroit hip-hop’s past struggles, and in the present lies a promising future.