Black Album, The

For this release, K-Otix's producer extraordinaire, the Are, graciously steps aside to allow one of his favorite emcees named Damien to flex his muscles behind the soundboard. The results are impressive, as Damien not only assembles infectious loops but also crafts fully developed songs that live up to the lofty standards of a K-Otix production. With Damien's rhyming partner and fellow K-Otix crew member, Mic, leading the charge on vocals for the first half of the album, "Enterprising" and "M.I." rally listeners on with prodding horn samples and warrior chants. The epic nature of The Black Album continues with tracks such as "Anger Management" and "Ambrosia," sounding as if they were recorded as part of a film score. Damien's introspective lyricism on "What About Me" and "First Day" as well as guest appearances by DJ Cozmos and K of Example further round out The Black Album as an interesting and entertaining peak into the underbelly of the K-Otix repertoire. ~ Robert Gabriel|