The award for “Lamest Name In Hip-Hop” goes to Magic Heart Genies, a continuing collaboration between Cali rappers Myka 9, of legendary Freestyle Fellowship, and JtheSarge. Attempting to ignore this problematic name is difficult due to a handful of corny, over-the-top interludes that try to force a story onto this already ridiculous concept. However, behind this unnecessary gimmick Myka and Sarge actually sound good together, demonstrating a mutual preference for smooth, sing-song harmonies and chopped flows. Having tested the water with uneven debut album Heartifact, their sophomore project is a more natural, confident collaboration; bold and daring, too. The abundance of singing, including contributions from MHG regular Goddess Nexxus, sets a soulful, jazzy vibe which often inspires conceptual songs that are twists on typical topics like drinking-and-driving (“Designated Driver”), sexual metaphors (“Snake Charm”) and weed (“Get Down High”). Myka and Sarge also rep rap’s roots, bragging and boasting over raw beats on songs such as “You Were Warned” and “Take Em Down.” Whether they’re spicing up familiar subjects or just flexing flows, the beats on Cardiac Arrest – provided by Fat Jack, Drez (DJ for MHG), Tapemaster Steph and others – are almost always interesting thanks to creative sample choices. If the Genies lose the gimmick for their third at-bat, they might just hit a home run.

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