The Mighty Underdogs
Droppin' Science Fiction
Release Date: Oct 14, 2008
Genre(s): Rap
Record label: Definitive Jux
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Album Review: Droppin' Science Fiction by The Mighty Underdogs
Very Good, Based on 4 Critics
Based on rating 8/10
A hip-hop trio (two MCs and one producer), the Mighty Underdogs sound so laid-back and bemused and confident on their debut LP that even those who didn't recognize the names involved might guess that these are not people going about their day jobs. Lateef and Gift of Gab are, of course, two of the brightest rappers to emerge between the death of alternative rap and the birth of the underground, and their thirst for innovative side projects appears to be nowhere near slaked. Their producer here, Headnodic, is less of a major figure, but that just means he has more to prove.
Based on rating 8/10
P.O.S. :: Chill, dummyDoomtree RecordsAuthor: Patrick TaylorI've been a fan of Stefon "P.O.S." Alexander since his debut nearly 10 years ago. On "Audition" and 2009's "Never Better," he proved himself to be one of the few artists who could successfully meld punk rock and hip-hop. Fellow Minnesotans ….
Based on rating 7.0/10
On Droppin’ Science Fiction, Gift of Gab from Blackalicious, fellow Quannum artist Lateef the Truth Speaker, and San Francisco producer Headnodic collaborate with each other and a dizzying array of artists to take a genre-hopping trip through hip-hop that touches on everything from standard posing and lyrical showcases to the hip-hop equivalent of yacht rock. This varied approach highlights the strengths of the individual contributors, but it leaves Droppin’ Science Fiction overstuffed with good ideas that get lost in the shuffle of the three band members and copious guests. With a group of all-stars, the main problem is making a workable team out of players used to being the focus of the organization.
Based on rating 3/5
There's no shortage of talent on hand for the debut LP of the Mighty Underdogs, a West Coast indie hip-hop supergroup made up of Blackalicious rapid rhyme ripper Gift of Gab, Lateef the Truth Speaker (of Latryx notoriety) and bass-beating producer Headnodic. Having three creative forces acting on the music from different angles leads to frequent twists, turns and stylistic shifts - showing they can roll like Dr. Octagon one minute and Sly Stone the next.