| Its about time for a good underground hip hop record to come out this summer. Open Mike Eagle is an extremely talented freestyle MC that has been dominating stages and battles in the LA underground, and on a national level. As a co-founding member of the crews Swim Team and Thirsty Fish, Open Mike Eagle melds knowledge, energy and lyrical prowess with amazing timing and rhythm. His latest full-length release, “Unapologetic Art Rap”, is a great example of how the underground hip hop scene is still alive in Los Angeles. His smooth crisp voice, diction and annunciation of lyrics mixes well with the sampled records and beats. The subject matter is a combination of dark gritty social commentary, inner reflection, and “art rap” parties. The first track “Art Rap Party”, Mike raves about how there “ain’t no party like an art rap party, cuz and art rap party’s so smart”, but he is quick to clown those who claim they are “art artists”. Most of you probably know the type; the hipsters at shows (of any type) because it is the intelligent “cool” thing to do for the moment. Scenesters who are quick to flee and move on to the next “cool” thing, so that they feel art-like. He questions what art rap really is in track #7, and rhymes about going to parties where “rappers rapping about art, where the artists are painting rappers while the rappers are rapping about the artists painting the rappers”. Mike is definitely not a scenester. He is in it for the love; the passion; artistic expression, and his overall addiction and dedication to hip hop. In the track, “I Rock” Underground hip hop is a scene supported by hard working producers and MCs trying to scrape by on the small amount they get paid for gigs., and in the track “I Rock” Mike tells us that he is a ” 9 to 5′er”, because he “can’t rap for a job”, because he is a completely committed hip hop MC, constantly “swimming in hip hop”, but he “can’t look like a slob”. Even though he is in the rat race by day he is a kick ass dominating rapper by night. Rockin’ with his “Freak Flag” out, Open Mike Eagle is confident, witty MC who is not afraid to show his overly observant, intelligent rhyming skills. He speaks his mind in rhymes. This is not your typical dance floor party hip hop. These are intelligent, poetic and sophisticated hip hop tracks with cleverly chosen instrumentals, and heart thumping bass; minus the cheesy repetitive Top-40 hooks. This is the perfect summertime album to pop on at a house party or poolside enjoying some drinks, or just to relax and groove to. - Pirate Cat Radio |
