American hip hop heads not only tend to lean to the side of elitism when it comes to evaluating rap, but are territorial as well. Dance music? Sure, we’ll embrace the French gods of electro, and the European and South American masterminds behind the latest electronic trends, but when it comes to hip hop and Germany, for example, we tend to be skeptical. German production duo JR&PH7 should quell any doubts you may have about the capability of “outsiders” not only creating solid, substantial hip hop, but also in understanding the rich history of hip hop’s past. JR&PH7’s latest release, The Standard, works partly as an homage to the forever-touted “golden age” of hip hop, enlisting the help of Rakaa (Dilated Peoples), Skyzoo, Planet Asia Edo.G, and Black Milk, among others. The duo dips into classic 70s funk and soul sounds, pairing it with flows that take you back to the late-80s, early-90s in a heartbeat. Album standouts include the jazzy “I Don’t Know Why” featuring Oddisee, and the hard-hitting “Top Rank” ft. Guilty Simpson and Black Milk. The album doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s a nice walk down memory lane in style and aesthetic.

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