TTC

Quick, what can you tell me about French hip-hop? MC Solaar? Yeah, he’s yesterday’s news. Instead check out the dynamic crew of TTC, who took away Solaar’s throne with 2004’s offbeat sophomore effort Batards Sensibles. Putting the production in the forefront has allowed this four-man crew to build an audience that isn’t so concerned about the message. (Let’s face it: if you don’t speak French there really is no message.) On their third album, 3615 TTC, however, it has come to the point where they’re actually translating better as an electronic act with MCs than an actual hip-hop outfit with askew beats. Largely due to the skilled hand of shit-hot Parisian producer Para One, as well as Tacteel, Modeselektor and the group’s own DJ Orgasmic and MC Tido, it’s a varied ensemble chipping in to make this a twisted affair. Para One steals the spotlight with his five cuts, especially the intensifying "emolectro” of "Turbo.” Equally as stirring is Tido’s "Cé Pou Vou,” which proves these guys can ride shotgun with J-T on the sexed-up R&B tip. As for the MCs, Tido, Cuiziner and Teki Latex (who’s also quite the solo artist) spit rhymes playfully like the Beasties, keeping each other in check and boldly passing the mic mid-verse with complete ease. While your first inclination may be to pass on this because of the language barrier, know that after a few listens the raps quickly meld into the exquisite array of beats. And if that isn’t convincing enough, "Frotte Ton Cul Par Terre” actually nicks the melody and punch line of "Hokey Pokey,” which is something nobody can dare hear without giving big love to.