When you think of hip-hop’s original sounds, you probably think of that good ol “boom-bap” sound. Many of us miss it and pray for the day it comes back. But until our prayers our answered, Seattle Washington has produced the Boom Bap Project, a group that should hold us over. And with a name that embodies what we miss the most, we have to wonder if their latest offering, Reprogram, can deliver the goods.

      With emcees Destro and MC Karim (aka Night Clubber Lang) and DJ Scene composing the group, Boom Bap Project looks to take hip-hop back to the days before crunk and shiny suits plagued our airwaves. The group is eerily reminiscent of Dilated Peoples in sound and style, but their rawness and basement sound is well received. With Jake One providing some head nodding production, the group proceeds to let us know that Seattle should be known for a little more than just the grunge scene on the aptly titled “Welcome to Seattle.” Destro and Karim deliver exactly what one would be expected to hear with each clever punchline and crafty metaphor. When Rakaa joins the group and the battle charged “Cut Down Ya Options”, the duo stand tall and show that they can hang with the big boys amongst some more menacing production from Jake One. For those that may feel as if the boom-bap sound is beating you down, “Reprogram” glides across the speakers with sultry vocal from Chocolate and an ill verse from Snafu. Other highlights include “Sho Shot”, “Followin’ Formulas” and the Gift of Gab assisted “Wyle Out.”

      With production from Jake One and Vitamin D, it’s hard to say that the production isn’t hitting from front to back. But for those who aren’t easily pleased, there aren’t moments that will astound you if you are looking for some mind blowing concept or risky creation. Reprogram is pretty risk free and there is nothing wrong with that, especially if you are a self proclaimed hip hop purist. And at 15 tracks there isn’t much room for error and fortunately Boom Bap Project doesn’t commit many.