Underground Sound Magazine (UGSMag.com)

When Audio 8 Recordings was founded in 2002 the intentions were to increase artist presence while maintaining full creative control by way of an artist-operated label. Musicians from the Chicago and San Francisco jazz and hip-hop scenes unite for Audio 8 releases to create music that is truly fresh. Given today's technology, almost anyone can drop an album if they really want to. As a result, the prevalence of underground hip-hop artists has made it more of a challenge to identify those in the community who are actually contributing something different to the genre. It's easy to become bored with the monotonous styles that many dispense these days, but Audio 8 Recordings may change all that. One of five recordings slated for release in 2003, Certain Sound is refreshing. Comprised of three artists, Nico B [MC], Polyphonic [producer], and Flesh O.N.E. [DJ, producer], the sounds heard on Certain Sound are daringly distinctive.

With nine tracks, the album is the perfect length for this kind of material, which borders on being experimental. In addition to production that is undeniably unique, I was introduced to an emcee that has chosen to deviate from the blatant gasbag approach. Can I get an 'Amen?' Nico B, who primarily sticks to standard boom-bap storytelling, wrote all the verses and rhymes with a heightened level of street consciousness minus the usual rodomontade. The first track, 'Delusions,' is a fine example of this nonconformist production and worthwhile lyricism:

"Commercialism, propaganda, and illusions/ We're spoon-fed these delicious delusions/ Sugar-coated seats with rose colored lenses/ BMW's and Mercedes Benzes/ Don't get me wrong my taste too, is exquisite/ It's all good - or really is it?/ That's a question yourself has to answer/ To each his own but to me it doesn't matter/ Whatcha got, be it jewels, cribs or whips/ They're all irrelevant - it's about how ya spit/ That's not it/ Plus originality/ And how close your rhymes resemble your reality/ Most felons aren't MC's/ These MC's aren't felons/ Or maybe it's I'm not buyin' simply cuz it's sellin'"

Polyphonic is not only technically proficient, but well versed in music in general. Though classically trained, he possesses a keen understanding of jazz, hip-hop and everything in between. Known for being improvisational, Certain Sound is Polyphonic's second production effort. The album has three [primarily] instrumental tracks - 'Transformations,' 'Expansions' and 'Concrete.' There is a very definite jazz meets jungle feel on a couple of these instrumentals, as Polyphonic and Flesh O.N.E. master the fusion of traditional jazz with updated drum and bass/electronica.

'The Message' is another dope track. At a minute and forty-four seconds, the song is short but definitely satisfying. With the incorporation of a female vocal sample highlighting Flesh O.N.E.'s work, the delayed beat and unsuspected cuts create an eccentric song that manages to be both haunting and comforting at that same time. 'Mic Monopoly,' as the title may suggest, demonstrates Nico B's styling on the mic. His vocals sound like they were recorded in a wind tunnel, but it works. Interesting rhythmic patterns and intonation decorate the track.

Certain Sounds is an onslaught of smoky-lounge-urban cool that may not be for everyone. It's not radio-friendly, and you won't shake your ass like an extra in a Nelly video. You may, however, develop a taste for the future of hip-hop.

Moving in the right direction, Certain Sounds is one of the most promising albums I've heard in a while.

- Kristen Asklund