In the wake of Matthew, First Come, Firt Served and Lost In Space, Kool Keith heads were undoubtedly digested a mass of Thorton bravado, some overwhelmed others underwhelmed. Yet if Keith was to drop another album in the same vein as the aforementioned joints, many would undoubtedly begin to question the longevity of one of today’s contemporary underground forefathers. Granted, there will always be new fans of the Kool’s genius, and for them the usual fare of brash braggadocio and signature Funky Ass beats will eminently remain entertaining. But for the Ultramagnetic fans of way back and even the original Cenobytes and Big Willie Smith fanatics, there is always that thirst for a new and totally unique Kool Keith invention.

Enter Masters of Illusion, a collaborative project (born in last year’s “Partna’s Confused” 12″) conjoined by longtime Keith comrades Kutmasta Kurt and Motion Man. The trio generates a solid 15 track banger that boasts impressive Kurt creations that is only intensified by the Keith/Motion tag-team that wondrously revivals the Ced Gee match-up of yesteryear.

Opening with the typically strong-arm “Masters Of Illusion”, Keith and Motion prove once again to dominate on top the forceful-aggro (also prevalent in tracks like “We All Over” and “Step Up”) that the Kut Masta has proven successful with. But it’s the uncharacteristic that truly raise the bar, “The Bay-Bronx Bridge” straight burns the record’s groove like a revitalized Critical Beatdown session. “Urban Legends” and “Scared Straight” crack with similar neck snaps, while “Let Me Talk To You” brings the tempo down drastically (like a pimped-out “Girl Let Me Touch You There”) as the two kick humorously playful love-raps, sans the sappiness. (Only adding to the fun is a secret hidden track that’s even saucier). While Keith is obviously going to garner the most attention, Motion undoubtedly makes good when alone, “Magnum Be I” still warrants hefty spins while new joints like “Call The National Guard” prove Motion definitely capable of solo mic-controlling.

With an effective combination of snappy beats, concise scratches and refined rhymes from both Kool Keith and Motion Man, the Masters Of Illusions prove a worthy effort and an injection of souped-up grandiosity from front man Keith as well as an ample platform for upcoming Motion releases. Back up kid.