With subject matter consisting of corrupt politicians, ‘the struggle’ and maintaining humility, Seattle rap duo Blue Scholars can easily be blown off as a run-of-the-mill backpacker group. Thankfully, producer-DJ Sabzi and rapper Geologic keep things fresh for their sophomore LP’and Rawkus debut’Bayani. Instead of spewing maniacal rants about the status quo, Geologic spits with the laid-back confidence of a professor lecturing his students with a penchant for vivid imagery enhancing his lessons. Meanwhile, Sabzi ably handles knob-twisting duties with a set of lush instrumentals that brim with the same self-assurance, utilizing high-pitched keys, joyous samples and lighthearted kazoos to keep things lively enough for listeners to stay attentive. Although Blue Scholars’ idealism occasionally rolls the eyes (’You might’ve owed me cash and put my shit on blast and talked behind my back, but I still got love,‘ Geologic saps on ‘Still Got Love’), it never gets in the way of their talent or message.

RELATED POSTS:

No related posts.