South Central Thynk Taynk
There is poetic justice: Abstract Tribe Unique's 1998South Central Thynk Taynkhas been reissued. The combination of Abstract Rude, musical coconspirators Irie and Zulu, and producerFat Jackcreates a plump, luscious Los Angeles sound. Abstract Rude, an ace veteran MC who never blows his cool, adds mental spark to the electric relaxation of Fat Jack's beats. The album, pegged a "soulful stimulation of a hip-hop community," is strongly rooted in the South Central community. Rapper Ab Rude doesn't ignore the fact that his 'hood is pockmarked with bullets. But unlikeWest Coast Gswho glamorize illegal lifestyles, he makes a gangbanger reality check called "They Ryde," which provides a sad glimpse of the monotonous lives of the doomed delinquents of L.A. ghettoes. Then on "Showgun" Rude tosses out a flawless battle rap to remind the kids who's boss: "So how long you been rappin' and doin' what you do? / Your homie's a bear, you're the little one, boo-boo / And I'm the ranger, come to put you on everlasting hibernation." And laid-back, brilliant tunes like "Just Like Akira" and "Hits Like Hank" shine like the sunset through city smog. This is a low-key, high-density classic.--Lizz Mendez Berry