Tru-Paz

Tru-Paz adds to their ever growing discography with their most recent release, The Young Nation (EP), their second EP, in addition to three full-length albums, with the latest being 2007's Concrete Kings. The Toronto-based trio have found a niche with Boozie's vocals, Akim's rhymes and DJ Unknown's production, which allows them to be socially conscious without coming across as overbearing or trite. First track "The Young Nation" is the catchiest of the three, with Boozie singing of staying the course and keeping positive despite ever-present hurdles and roadblocks people can encounter, while Akim's lyrics tell of the effects of never having and always needing. The third cut, "Everyday Goes By," is a Tru-Paz version of "to be or not be," which is laid out nicely over a contemplative beat and samples that are well suited for the verses on the track. The Young Nation (EP) emphasises quality over quantity and in three tracks, Tru-Paz accomplish what many cannot with an entire album.