Social Deviantz

Social Deviantz, one of the pioneers of Vancouver's now vibrant rap scene, have been together since 1992, and it shows. It's not just apparent in their old school rhythms, which recall the best days of A Tribe Called Quest and the Lost Boyz, but in the chemistry between MCs Fatbone and A-Train, and producer Junya. With this EP compilation of the band's entire career, one more aged than some of hip-hop's best, fans who remember the group hosting YTV (when they themselves were just learning to love rap) can reunite with their work. Considering their last album, Bleaky Deky (itself a compilation of a different breed), was 24-tracks, narrowing down their new and old work to just eight tracks must have been strenuous. But the best of it is here, from "Slick With Da Ease Back" to the new "Red Tape." It's not known when we'll see a brand new album from Social Deviantz but Spread should stave off the hunger for at least another year. Maybe.