?Quite possibly one of the hardest-working producers in underground hip-hop at the moment, The Five Deez’ Fat Jon has his hands full with so many projects, that he is not only determined to make a name for himself, but to actually make two names for himself. Enter Maurice Galactica  – an instrumental alter-ego of the Ohio boardsman, who shares soothing, jazzy beats with his debut Humanoid Erotica.

The reason for the secret identity is obviously due to the fact that the production on the Humanoid Erotica differs from that on his Five Deez stuff. Strictly instrumental, the beats here are as usual suitable for late-night love movements, but this LP plays much more like an acid jazz record than a hip-hop album. While conceptual in nature, at times, the randomness of jazz influence of Jon’s instrumental production seems like it doesn’t work, with horns that sound off key or sound effects that seem out of place, but continual listens prove it to be every bit intentional.

Minor beefs aside, there’s no denying the beauty of Jon’s mellow tracks, as “14 Years”, “I.Dee”, or “Rain Dance Instrumental” will easily set the mood in your favorite coffee house or living room. Even technically, Jon still shows his knack as a producer with joints like “No”, “Backseat Anonymous” and “The Queen and I”, hollow sequencing and killer drums that would make Jay Dee proud. Closing out is “Pretty Pussy Kitty Kat” (feat. Five Deez), showing where is true loyalties lie, providing sonic foundations for the crew (and the ultimate resurgence of hip-house – don’t front!)

While a well produced project, sure to get many spins from headwrap chicks and lonely, sensitive, incense-burning males equally, it isn’t Fat Jon’s best project to date, but still serves as a nice introduction for one of hip-hop’s greatest new producers. It may have a tougher time comparing to Koolmotor, but still hangs in there with little fault at all.