Disrupt
The large majority of underground releases seem to come off as either half-baked or overcooked, but the debut album by Oh No nails the balance just right. He's the younger brother of rapper-producer-eccentricMadlib, but Oh No has emerged as a formidable production and lyrical talent of his own. His quick, staccato verses are alert and energized, calling to mind the punch of SoCal peers likeDilated Peoples' Iriscience or the lively party style ofTha Liks. Here Oh No the rapper keeps pace with guests such asWildchildand Medaphoar. Big bro Madlib spins the knobs on five tracks, including the stark, dramatic "Chosen One," but Jay Dee scores the album's most memorable beat with the spooky, spacey "Move." Oh No proves equally adept behind the boards, especially on the hyperactive "WTF" and smoothed-out "I Can't Help Myself."The Disruptmight be a debut album, but it sounds far more seasoned and mature than those of more veteran players.--Oliver Wang